Murder and assault of alleged tavern burglars: 7 arrested in Mpumalanga

Seven men were arrested for allegedly killing a 38-year-old and injuring a 29-year-old after accusing them of breaking into a tavern in Vosman, Mpumalanga, over the weekend.

The seven suspects, aged between 28 and 43, are expected to appear in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, for murder, assault and kidnapping. The police cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests, pending further investigation.

According to police spokesperson Captain Magonseni Nkosi, the two men were attacked by several suspects, including a tavern employee, after launching a manhunt for the alleged burglars.

“The manhunt resulted in the capture of the 29-year-old on Friday. The victim was allegedly taken to the tavern where he was assaulted with various objects, and boiling water was poured over his body.”

He survived the ordeal as one of the suspects called on his accomplices to stop the torture.

“The following day, the 38-year-old was also caught and brought to the tavern where he was subjected to the same torture. He was released after his child intervened. The victim was taken to hospital by a family member, but he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday,” says Nkosi.

The police were summoned to the hospital to attend to a murder case, and a preliminary investigation led to the arrest of the seven suspects.