R100 000 reward offered for suspect in Marite tavern double murder

Mpumalanga police have put up a R100 000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and successful conviction of Phumulani Ezekiel Matsane, wanted in connection with the shooting deaths of two men at a tavern in Marite on 15 May 2023.

Call for information

The provincial police announced the reward as part of their search for Matsane, who is a suspect in the double murder that took place in the Calcutta policing precinct. Police said they cannot rule out the possibility that he may be linked to other similar cases under investigation.

How to report tips

Anyone with information about Matsane’s whereabouts has been asked to contact either Detective Lieutenant Colonel Madala Ndashe on 076 244 8577 or Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Magagula on 082 780 6815. The police said all information will be treated confidentially.

Public safety warning

The police warned the public not to try to apprehend the suspect, describing him as “armed and very dangerous”.

“All information will be treated with confidentiality. The public is advised not to attempt to apprehend the suspect because he is considered armed and very dangerous,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo.

Wider policing context

Provincial SAPS commissioner Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise said police are working hard to deal with crime in the Calcutta policing precinct, which includes areas such as Mkhuhlu. The precinct has recorded 39 gun murders since the beginning of the year.

Investigation status

The reward offer accompanies ongoing investigations into the May 15, 2023 tavern shootings and related cases in the area.