Police look for suspect who killed one man, injured two in Hazyview

The provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has called on liquor business owners to operate within the ambits of the law.

This comes after an incident in which an armed man reportedly went on rampage at a tavern near Hazyview where he allegedly shot three people, one died on the spot, meanwhile the other two were taken to hospital after sustaining injuries.

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A provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, said, “The report indicates that a scuffle broke out between four men in a tavern at Shabalala Trust, Hazyview area around 06:30 on April 4. One of the men is said to have fired shots at the other three men as well as torched two vehicles, a VW Golf and an Isuzu bakkie, before he fled the scene. As a result, one succumbed to his injuries while two victims sustained gunshot wounds. They were taken to hospital for medical treatment.”

“Part of the investigation will be to determine whether the owner of the liqour outlet was operating lawfully or not.”

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Manamela warned owners of businesses, specifically those of liquor outlets, to take responsibility and play their part in ensuring safety for their customers.

According to her, they must also make it a point that their customers are not armed whenever they go for leisure at their premises.

“There are regulations put in place for liquor businesses and these controlling measures should be adhered to by all operators in order to prevent similar incidents like these. Be as it may, the law should take its course.” The police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

Alternatively, members of the public may send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.