On Saturday July 20, a 23-year-old TVET student was shot and killed in Barberton, allegedly by Samkelo Gregory Mngcina (24).

The shooting occurred at about 00:45 at a TVET college in town during an event held on the grounds there.

Mngcina was supposedly denied access to the event arranged for the students. He reportedly went to a vehicle, and when he returned, “things turned ugly”, said a police statement.

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The suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and began to shoot randomly, resulting in three victims being shot and injured.

One of them, the 23-year-old’s wounds were fatal. The other two victims were taken to hospital for treatment.

A murder case was opened and the suspect was arrested at about 16:00 that afternoon.

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Mngcina appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday July 23. The case was postponed to July 31 for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.

The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwazani, said:

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, which occurred at a place meant for teaching and learning. The SAPS will work tirelessly in the investigation to ensure that justice is served for the slain victim.”