‘Perpetrators must rot in jail,’ says MEC as man arrested after mass shooting in Mpumalanga

A suspect has been arrested following a mass shooting in Mpumalanga that tragically claimed the lives of eight people over the weekend.

The shooting occurred early Saturday morning when gunmen stormed a liquor outlet and opened fire in Pienaar, outside Mbombela, formerly known as Nelspruit, in Mpumalanga.

Six victims were declared dead at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Three additional individuals were wounded in the attack; one has since been discharged from the hospital, while two remain under medical care.

Arrest made after Mpumalanga mass shooting

A 39-year-old man was taken into custody on Sunday night in connection with the shooting.

The suspect was apprehended in Pienaar and was allegedly found in possession of a firearm and 13 rounds of ammunition, according to the South African Police Service (Saps).

He is expected to appear in court soon.

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Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, condemned the attack, describing it as a “barbaric and senseless loss of lives”.

“This incident yet again brings into a sharp focus the challenges posed by gun violence in this country.

“We are again calling on liquor traders to always prioritise the safety of their patrons.

“We further extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and we also wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” said Macie, while urging police to be given space to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Tavern operating outside trading hours

Mpumalanga Economic Development and Tourism MEC Makhosazane Masilela noted reports that the liquor outlet had been operating outside the permitted trading hours outlined in the province’s Liquor Licensing Act.

Masilela stated that she had directed the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator to promptly verify compliance-related information regarding the establishment in question.

“As per the mandate of the department, this process will primarily be verifying and reviewing whether the outlet has contravened any of its licensing conditions,” she said.

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The MEC reassured the public that strict action would be taken against the tavern if any violations were confirmed.

“We remain committed to ensure accountability, our action will also be a strong message to other tavern owners that if you do not comply, the consequences will be calamitous.”

She also called for severe consequences for the perpetrators.

“In fact, they must rot in jail,” Masilela added.

Additional arrests in Barberton

In a separate case, two suspects accused of terrorising the Barberton community with a series of robberies were arrested on Sunday.

The suspects, aged 20 and 23, were apprehended in Mbombela.

Investigations led authorities to their residence at Umjindi Hostel in Barberton, where a search uncovered illegal firearms and explosives.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane said in one residence, a firearm was found under a pillow with its serial number filed off and one live round of ammunition.

“The suspect did not have a firearm licence and was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” the police’s statement reads.

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“In another house, the second suspect was found with a firearm hidden under a pillow. The serial number was filed off, and explosive devices were discovered on the table.

“The suspect was also charged for illegal possession of a firearm, ammunition, and explosives,” Ndubane added.

The suspects are believed to have been involved in a house robbery in Barberton in August last year.

Both will face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, house robbery, and additional charges for the possession of explosives.

They are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 January.