By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The man arrested in connection with a tavern shooting in Katlehong is an Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer, police have confirmed.
The officer is expected to appear in court today in connection with the 8 July shooting, which left two dead and four injured.
He was arrested on Friday.
Police did not reveal any further details after the arrest, saying the investigation is ongoing.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Cllr Lethlogonolo Moseki has called for justice to be served following the arrest of a suspect allegedly involved in the fatal crime that took place a tavern in Kwanele section.
The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that the EMPD officer will face disciplinary procedures.
“We applaud the police for the swift arrest of the suspected shooter in the Katlehong Tavern shooting. It doesn’t matter if he is a member of the EMPD, if the individual is guilty, justice must be served. The suspect will not receive any pity or special treatment from the side of the city. We will be observing the developments of this case with a close eye.” said MMC Moseki.
Meanwhile a tavern owner was shot and wounded during a robbery in Jouberton, near Klerksdorp, in the North West.
Eight men entered a tavern in extension 23 in Jouberton just before midnight on Saturday, and allegedly fired shots randomly.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh said, “It is alleged that the suspects entered a tavern, threatened patrons and fired a few shots randomly, before robbing some of them (patrons) of their cellular phones.
” A 42-year-old tavern owner was instructed to open the cash register and upon refusing, he was shot in the stomach and admitted at a local hospital, where he is in a stable condition. No other injuries were reported.” .
She said the gunmen proceeded to break open a security door, leading to the owner’s house and, after a search, took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled to a nearby field where they got into two vehicles, a white Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a white bakkie.
“Anyone with information that can assist police with their investigation is requested to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Mangaliso Mosiea on 072 476 4679 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be reported on the MySAPS App from smartphones,” she said.