By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) have arrested the KwaNoxolo tavern owner Nonesi Matwa in Bekkersdal for operating with a fraudulent liquor licence.
This follows a mass shooting that left 10 people dead and 10 injured.
Gauteng deputy police commissioner Maj-Gen Fred Kekana said police received a report from the Gauteng Liquor Board that the tavern in Bekkersdal had been using fraudulent liquor licence to operate.
The liquor licence looked legitimate when we checked on Sunday. We, however, had to thoroughly check, and that’s why we involved the liquor board, and they told us it was fraudulently obtained, “he said.
“We are not going to allow lawlessness. Had she not operated this establishment illegally, all those people would still be alive.”
Family members attempted to intervene as police took her into custody, questioning the grounds for her detainment in light of the weekend’ violence.
Kekana and Acting Gauteng Premier, Jacob Mamabolo briefed the media in Bekkersdal.
He also told journalists that police have identified two suspects.
“We still need assistance from the community. We still need information from anyone who knows the suspects or a certain group of people.”
Kekana added that more information will be revealed following further questioning of the potential suspects.
There have been several mass shootings at taverns – in recent years, including a mass shooting carried out by multiple suspects in an unlicensed outlets.
Mamabolo, has condemned the escalation in mass shootings that have occurred in the province.
“We will intensify operations to shut down illegal taverns, remove illegal firearms from our streets and disrupt the networks that enable such violence.”
“We call upon our communities to share any information regarding this shooting or any other criminal activity with the police. We will not allow criminals to terrorise our communities and turn them into scenes of carnage, ” Mamabolo said.
He conveyed condolences to the affected families.
“Our hearts are heavy, and we convey our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who are injured,” Mamabolo said.
Earlier this month, another mass shooting in Saulsville, Tshwane, left at least 11 people dead and 14 others injured. At least three other incidents – in Reiger Park, Westbury and Olievenhoutbosch – have been reported this year.