Fatal shooting of Barberton student: Suspect appears in court
Shots were fired at random, allegedly by a man who was reportedly denied access to an event arranged for students.
A 23-year-old Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) student was on Saturday shot and killed in Barberton, allegedly by Samkelo Gregory Mngcina (24).
The shooting occurred at about 00:45 at a TVET college in town during an event held on the grounds there.
Mngcina was supposedly denied access to the event arranged for the students. He reportedly went to a vehicle, and when he returned, ‘things turned ugly’, reads a police statement.
It is alleged that he pulled out a firearm and began to shoot randomly, resulting in three victims being shot and injured.
The 23-year-old’s wounds proved to be fatal. The other two victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
A murder case was opened and the suspect was arrested at about 16:00 that afternoon.
Mngcina appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court yesterday, and the case was postponed to July 31 for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwazani adds: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, which occurred at a place meant for teaching and learning. The SAPS will work tirelessly in the investigation to ensure that justice is served for the slain victim.”
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