Mpumalanga tavern

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Mpumalanga tavern owner shoots dead suspected robber

Three armed men stormed a tavern in Kabokweni, Mpumalanga and held patrons at gunpoint, after which the owner pulled out his firearm

Mpumalanga tavern

Image via Adobe Stock

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has launched an investigation after a tavern owner shot dead an alleged robber at his business premises in Kabokweni outside Nelspruit. The incident is said to have occurred just before midnight on Saturday, 2 July 2022.

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, three armed men entered the tavern in Kabokweni and held the patrons at gunpoint, instructing them to lie down.

“It is said that they robbed the victims of their personal belongings, which include mobile phones and cash before attempting to flee. It is further alleged that the tavern owner, aged 39 became aware of what was unfolding and he drew his firearm and fatally shot one of the men meanwhile the other alleged robbers are said to have fled the scene,” Mohlala added.

“Police at Kabokweni as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident and upon their arrival they found the lifeless body of the alleged suspect with bullet wounds on the upper body as well as some of the alleged stolen cell phones belonging to the patrons. He was certified dead by the paramedics”

Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala

MPUMALANGA TAVERN SHOOTING BEING PROBED

The circumstances surrounding the shooting and robbery at the tavern are currently being investigated, SAPS Mpumalanga has said. They have also opened an inquest.

“The circumstances surrounding the shooting will also form part of the investigation. The firearm that has been reportedly used in this incident has been ceased for further investigation. The deceased has not yet been identified as yet,” Mohlala added.

Members of the public with information relevant to the case have been urged to come forward or contact SAPS at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has raised her concern regarding violent crimes in the province whereby victims are robbed of their personal items which are then sold to others.

“Members of the public should not hesitate to report such individuals who sell suspected stolen properties. People are adviced not to buy such items because by doing so, they will be helping criminals to flourish in their market and stand a chance of being arrested if they are found in possession of stolen items,” Manamela said.