Mayor calls for community to help find suspects in tavern tragedy

The Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, Cllr Sivuyile Ngodwana, has extended his deepest condolences and prayers to families of the six people killed when a group of armed men opened fire on patrons seated outside a tavern in Daveyton on September 16.

He has called on the community’s cooperation with the investigation.

The Ntshangase family of Daveyton are reeling in shock and grief after two of their family members were shot dead outside the tavern.

Moses ‘Sobho’ Ntshangase (40) and Janki Mphanya (53) were among the six people killed at Tsibi’s Place during the mass shooting just after 18:00.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said it was alleged that as the victims sat outside a tavern, a group of unknown men came from nowhere and started shooting at them.

“Six were declared dead on the scene, while one was taken to hospital. The circumstances that led to the shooting are unknown at this stage, and no suspects have been arrested as yet,” said Nevhuhulwi.

According to Ntshangase’s sister, Emma, her brother had just returned from a parent meeting in the afternoon when he received a call from his uncle, Mphanya.

“He asked if he could come over so they could chill at a nearby tavern with his two friends, who are paramedics. I was shocked when I later received a call notifying me that my uncle and brother had been shot. When I left the house, I didn’t even want to break the sad news to my mother because she suffers from a heart problem.”

Emma said when she arrived at the tavern, the bodies were scattered outside, and there was a lot of blood. “While trying to look for my uncle and brother among the deceased people, my heart was beating fast. I couldn’t believe what I saw.”

She said, as a family, they are still battling to come to terms with their loss, especially her mother.

“She is still battling to accept what happened. Knowing she won’t be able to see them again breaks her heart. She finds it hard to sleep at night.”

Emma said her family members loved people and always helped those in need.

“They were fond of each other and were always together,” said Emma.

Meanwhile, the Gauteng SAPS commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has mobilised extra resources to track the attackers.

The Portfolio Committee on Community Safety chairperson, Bandile Masuku, said that while the motive was unknown, the committee was worried the trend seen last year of mass shootings in taverns was again rearing its ugly head.

“The committee advocates for tighter laws to regulate and control areas where alcohol is sold and consumed because it is a driver of crime-related incidents in the province.

“The owners and operators of places where alcohol is consumed are urged to put stricter measures in place to ensure patrons are safe at all times to avoid such incidents from happening,” said Masuku.

The police requested anyone with information that might help their investigation to contact the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or anonymously report tip-offs on the MySAPS app. All information remains strictly confidential.

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