By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A festive celebration turned fatal when two men were killed at a tavern in Masoyi near White River, Mpumalanga on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Preliminary reports indicates that the incident happened after the DJ, who had been entertaining the tavern patrons, stopped the music and packed up his equipment.
The patrons are said to have insisted that he should continue playing the music because it was Christmas time, “SAPS spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said.
The DJ, however, resisted, telling the patrons it was time for the tavern to close. Despite his attempts to explain to them, tensions between him and the patrons escalated and a 28-year-old man drew a firearm and shot the DJ. He then turned the gun on himself, Mdhluli said.
“Medical personnel were summoned to the scene and unfortunately certified both individuals dead.”
“A case of murder has been opened along with an inquest.”
Police confirmed that the tavern was licenced. The firearm used in the shooting has not yet been recovered.
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Maj-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi called for an extensive investigation to determine why someone with a firearm was allowed into the liquor premises.
“The increase in shooting incidents within liquor premises is alarming and detrimental to our society. It is very crucial that tavern owners take their responsibility to ensure safety of their patrons and employees. Failure to comply with safety regulations carries legal consequences for the owners. A life has been lost here, and we cannot allow such tragic incident without consequences,” Mkhwanazi said.
With almost 26,000 homicides in 2024, or more than 70 per day on average, South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in these killings. Although the nation of 62 million people has comparatively stringent gun control laws, officials said many killings are carried out using illegal firearms.