A 35-year-old man was arrested this morning in connection with a double murder at a tavern in eMbalenhle, Mpumalanga, on New Year’s Day.

Ridge Times reports that the suspected shooter was apprehended between Leandra and Devon in a collaborative effort by members from Crime Intelligence, eMbalenhle Detective Services, Visible Policing, Secunda Flying Squad and members from Kinross police.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the suspect had probably been hitchhiking to Gauteng and was given a lift in a private vehicle, a white Nissan Almera.

During his arrest, a firearm with ammunition and two magazines were recovered. The serial number of the seized firearm had been filed off, and police believe this could have been the weapon that was used in the tavern shooting.

The gun will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in the commission of a crime elsewhere, including the recent double murder in eMbalenhle on Thursday.

“The suspect is possibly faced with various charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm with ammunition. Police are working around the clock to connect him to the double murder, ” says Mdhluli.

The victims were identified as Siyabonga Fortune Hlapo (25) and Ratile Motloung (24).

Commissioner applauds team

The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, applauded the team that traced and apprehended the suspect and recovered the firearm with ammunition.

“This is a testament to the sheer determination of our resolve to deal decisively with crime. The 72-hour plan that was activated has surely yielded positive results. Criminals should know that if you commit a crime in this province, you will be arrested, end of the story, ” said Mkhwanazi.

MEC welcomes arrest

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, welcomed the arrest.

He urged the police to conduct a diligent investigation and to bring all perpetrators to justice.

“We condemn this callous act in the strongest possible terms. Those responsible must face the full consequences of their actions,” he said.

Macie noted that recent weeks have seen further violence, including a shooting in the Calcutta policing precinct that claimed three lives, believed to be taxi drivers, and another tavern shooting in Masoyi near White River.

Macie appealed to the community for any information that could assist in the investigations and called on tavern owners to strengthen their security measures and protect patrons and staff.

He also reminded liquor traders to co-operate with the police and report any criminal activity.

The tavern owners have also been called on to comply with their trading licenses and to ensure that their premises are not overcrowded.

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