The Calcutta police are investigating a case of murder following a shooting at a tavern in Jim Brown, Marite near Hazyview, on Friday evening, October 31.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, officers received a report of a shooting at around 22:00 and were immediately dispatched to the scene.

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“Upon arrival, police found the body of a man in the bushes next to the main road. He was declared dead by paramedics who also attended the scene. Preliminary reports indicate that the victim had been at the tavern when three armed suspects arrived and began firing at his vehicle, a silver Mahindra. The suspects then entered the tavern and randomly fired shots, causing patrons to flee for safety,” she said.

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Nonyane-Mpe added that the victim ran out of the tavern, but the suspects chased him and continued shooting until he collapsed outside the premises. The suspects then allegedly fled the scene in a white VW Polo.

“During the preliminary investigation, police discovered that the victim’s firearm was missing from its safe, and it is suspected that it may have been stolen.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing,” Nonyane-Mpe said.

She urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Sikhumbuzo Ceko on 082 922 9902, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or use the My SAPS app.