Bushbuckridge tavern shooter arrested while performing traditional rituals
An argument between two snooker players in a tavern ended in one shooting the other.
A tip-off from community members led to the speedy arrest of a 26-year-old man who had allegedly shot a fellow patron in a tavern in Violet Bank, Bushbuckridge, on December 26.
According to the police, the suspect was playing snooker with the victim at about 04:00 when an argument broke out between them. Another patron intervened and the argument seemed to be resolved. However, the suspect allegedly proceeded to pull out a firearm and shot the victim, before fleeing the scene.
The victim survived the shooting and was taken to a nearby hospital for further care.
Meanwhile, the suspect had seemingly vanished into thin air until police investigators received information of his whereabouts in Acornhoek. They cornered him the following day as he was busy performing traditional rituals. The police also recovered a firearm with about 17 rounds of live ammunition.
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Charged with attempted murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm with ammunition, the suspect is expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, December 30.
Following the arrest, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, highlighted the challenge presented by the increasing presence of illegal firearms in the province, especially used in the commission of violent crimes.
In the latest national and provincial crime statistics released by the police minister, Senzo Mchunu, on November 25, Bushbuckridge ranked first in the province and 22nd nationally for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
While the Ehlanzeni District only has one nationally ranking station for this crime, it occupies 17 of the top 30 positions in the province.
Other illegal firearm hotspots include Masoyi, Calcutta, Pienaar, KaBokweni, Mhala, Skukuza and Mbombela, as well as Schoemansdal, White River, Lydenburg, KaNyamazane and Hazyview.
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