Johannesburg - Two men were killed at a tavern in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga in the early hours of Christmas day, with one of them being torched in his car in what appears to be an act of retaliation.
Mpumalanga police are investigating two fatal incidents at a certain tavern in Kwaggafontein in the early hours of Christmas day, at around 3.30am, after normal trading hours.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said one of the two victims was reportedly torched in a VW Citi Golf after being severely assaulted in what appears to be an act of retaliation.
“When the members arrived at the scene they reportedly found one of the victims still burning inside the said vehicle. Emergency medical personnel, including fire and rescue workers were also summoned to the scene, however, the victim could not be rescued. He was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics. The other victim, who also sustained gunshot wounds was certified dead as well by the paramedics,” Mohlala said.
The police said preliminary investigation had so far revealed allegations that the man who was torched, had earlier fatally shot the other male victim after which he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people.
“It is further alleged that thereafter, he ran to his vehicle and that is when he was torched inside the car. The victim is yet to be identified,” Mohlala said.
No one has been arrested and police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has once again slammed the murders that occurred in the taverns during the long weekend of Christmas.
“The incidents allegedly took place in the early hours of the morning during the time in which liquor outlets should have closed for business. However, the General vowed that law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with those who decide to contravene the regulations by creating a conducive environment for criminality to take place and such will not be spared,” police said.
The Star