On May 5, a 59-year-old tavern owner and his 51-year-old wife were accosted by three armed men whose faces were covered with balaclavas. The men barged into the tavern a few minutes before closing time and demanded cash.
While still on their demands, they started to fire shots at random, injuring the tavern owner, his wife and a patron at the tavern. A man employed as a cleaner was fatally shot.
The suspects dragged the severely injured wife of the tavern owner and forced her to open the safes. They then took an undisclosed amount of cash and on their way out; they shot dead their accomplice who was injured during the random shooting earlier.
The two suspects fled the scene in two cars, authorities were notified and the injured victims were taken to hospital.
The police in Kriel worked tirelessly and managed to arrest a 31-year-old suspect who is now facing charges of business robbery, two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
Anyone with information regarding the remaining suspect may contact Warrant Officer Johny Moll at 083 652 2059 or 017 648 2266/7.
