The White River community is reeling after a tragic shooting outside White River Rugby Club in the early hours of Thursday.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, which resulted in the death of Pieter Burger (21) and left two others, Arno van Niekerk and Marco Schalekamp, critically injured.

According to multiple trusted sources, the incident reportedly stemmed from an altercation between Van Niekerk and Schalekamp, prompting Burger to intervene.

The situation escalated near the main road (Danie Joubert), where gunfire erupted. While the exact circumstances remain unclear as there are various versions of what had transpired, Lowvelder is in the process of gathering all available facts.

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Emergency responders of ER24 and Emer-G-Med attended to the scene. ER24 paramedic Kim Habib confirmed that Burger was declared dead on arrival, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. ER24 transported Van Niekerk to Rob Ferreira Hospital, stabilising him on scene and en route.

He sustained gunshot wounds to the abdomen, chest, back, left shoulder and the left side of his head.

Emer-G-Med’s Martin Jeffrey confirmed that Schalekamp was also transported to Rob Ferreira Hospital in a critical condition. He suffered gunshot wounds to both cheeks, with the bullet entering one side and exiting the other, impacting his cheekbone, as well as injuries to his shoulders and neck. He was later transferred to Mediclinic Nelspruit for further treatment.

The first responder, Willem Burger of ACS Spartan, described finding Van Niekerk injured near a utility vehicle. According to Jeffrey, Schalekamp was seated in his vehicle, bleeding heavily. ACS Spartan’s John Meintjes reported that his young son and dog were inside the vehicle but were unharmed.

A family friend later arrived to take the child and pet to safety. Meintjes also described an intense moment when Burger’s father arrived at the scene, visibly distraught.

Authorities have recovered firearms and several spent cartridges, which will form part of the investigation.

Tributes for Burger are already pouring in, with the White River Rugby Club describing him as “a true dynamite, a warrior through and through.”

The club expressed deep sorrow over the loss of “one of their own” and extended condolences to his family and loved ones.

In honour of his memory, a gathering has been planned at the White River Rugby Club tonight at 17:30, where friends, family and members of the community will come together to celebrate Burger’s life.

Lowvelder attempted to reach out to Burger’s family but was unable to make contact.

Investigations remain ongoing, and the police urge anyone with information to come forward. Further updates will be provided as they become available.