One killed and three wounded in Emjindini shooting after leaving tavern, police say

One person was killed and three others wounded in a shooting in Emjindini, Barberton, while they were on their way from a tavern, according to IOL.

What happened

Police say they received a complaint at about 3:50am and were asked to attend a local hospital. Upon arrival, a medical practitioner pointed out a deceased man and three other victims who had sustained gunshot wounds, Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said, according to IOL.

Victims and investigation

A preliminary investigation indicated the four had been shot while they were on their way from a tavern in Emjindini, IOL reports. One victim succumbed to his injuries while the other three are currently receiving medical treatment, Masondo said.

Barberton police have opened a case of murder and three counts of attempted murder, and a manhunt for the suspect or suspects has been launched, IOL said. Masondo told IOL that the motive for the shooting is yet to be determined and the probe is continuing.

Police appeal and response

Police urged anyone with information to contact the nearest police station, call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or submit information via the MySAPS app. IOL reports that all information will be treated as confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise was quoted by IOL saying the police would work continuously to apprehend those responsible and to address unlawful possession of firearms.

“We will continue to vigorously deal with proliferation of firearms which are often used in violent crimes like in this case where it claimed a life whilst others sustained some injuries.”

“We therefore plead with members of the public to alert the authorities when they have information about those in possession of a firearm unlawfully, so that we can act before another life of an innocent person is taken. We will not allow criminals to terrorise our communities hence we will act without any hesitation,”

Background context in other provinces

IOL also reported on a separate tavern shooting in Wedela, Gauteng, where the death toll rose to 18 and a multidisciplinary team was established to investigate that incident. Details of that case were provided to IOL by Gauteng police, including updated charges and an ongoing manhunt, IOL said.

All claims in this article are attributed to IOL.