Suspect arrested in Mpumalanga tavern shooting

Mpumalanga police have made a major breakthrough in the tavern shooting that claimed eight lives by arresting one person.

Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, said the 39-year-old was arrested on Sunday.

“The team managed to advance and during the arrest of the suspect, the police confiscated a pistol with around 13 live ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

Mpumalanga's acting police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, said he was elated by the arrest.

The shooting at the Pienaar tavern took place on Saturday morning, around 4am.

The tavern owner told Sowetan that a group of people traveling in two cars had arrived at the establishment on Friday night, arguing among themselves. themselves and left after randomly firing shots that didn't hit anyone.

Dudu Dludlu, owner of Lavisa Lifestyle, said they returned a few hours later where they began exchanging words again, which were quickly followed by gunshots that left five people dead at the scene, while three others died in hospital.