Two shot dead in Barberton

Ralph Hlope, a prison warden, and his friend, Chris Mkhonto, both aged 40, entered the tavern around 07:00, according to correctional services.

Sometime after this, Hlope took out his gun and placed it on the table. He shot Mkhonto before turning the gun on himself.

Both were pronounced dead on the scene. Their families identified the bodies.

A case of murder has been opened, as well as an inquest into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The police do not yet know the motive for the shooting.

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The provincial spokesperson for the Department of Correctional Services, Singabakho Nxhumalo, confirmed that Hlope had been a correctional official. He had been employed by the department since July 2005 and was stationed at the Barberton Youth Centre.

The SAPS as well as the Department of Correctional Services said Hlope had used his own firearm.

“We are in contact with the SAPS which are still busy with the investigation,” said Nxhumalo.

The police have opened a probe into how the firearm was permitted into the tavern, which was not supposed to be open under Easter weekend Covid-19 regulations.

“Drastic actions will definitely be taken against those found to have violated the regulations, without fear or favour,” read a statement issued by the provincial police commissioner.