Local news

Pienaar massacre leads to closure of tavern for inspection

The Mpumalanga police commissioner and the MEC for community safety held a press briefing today, January 15, to provide updates on the Pienaar massacre.

The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, conducted a press briefing about the recent Pienaar massacre at the provincial police headquarters in Mbombela’s Ferreira Street today, Wednesday, January 15.
This was also attended by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie.

Mkhwanazi said before the two parties started shooting at one another in their vehicles at the tavern, another somewhat mysterious, unexplained shooting incident had taken place.
“A man came, fired shots in the air and left.”

The crime scene where at least six people were confirmed dead during a shooting in Pienaar this morning. Photo: Supplied/SAPS

He said the second suspect of the massacre that took place after this initial shooting was arrested on Tuesday, January 14, and was found in possession of three unlicensed firearms without ammunition. “He appeared in court today, though only for the unlicensed firearms. He is still going to appear in court tomorrow for the murder or whatever charges are brought against him. I must indicate that this does not mean we are done; we are still going forward, doing more investigations. We may arrest more suspects, but these two first ones were very prominent suspects for us,” said Mkhwanazi.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Second suspect arrested in connection with Pienaar tavern killings

The police instructed that the name of this second suspect be withheld until his appearance.
The first suspect to be arrested, Bongani Patrick Nkosi (39), was found in possession of a pistol and 13 live rounds of ammunition on Sunday, January 12, just before midnight. He appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance on January 21 for a formal bail application

@lowvelder

Community safety, security and liaison MEC Jackie Macie and acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi addressed the media about the Pienaar massacre at the provincial police headquarters today. > Video: Riot Hlatshwayo #Pienaarmassacre #Pienaar #mbombela #mpumalanga

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

ALSO READ: UPDATE: One suspect arrested in connection with Pienaar tavern killings

During the press briefing, Macie announced that the tavern next to where the shooting took place had temporarily been closed down in order for it and its licensing status to be investigated. “We have closed the tavern and the coffee shop next to it, because for now, it is still a crime scene. We are questioning the tavern owner to find out whether it was in compliance, as you will note that the incident happened at 04:00,” he said.

ALSO READ: Eight people confirmed dead after shooting in Pienaar

He also announced there were plans to appoint a brigadier to head the Pienaar Police Station, as it is currently being run by a colonel.
Six people died on the spot during the massacre, and six injured people were rushed to hospital afterwards. Two of them passed away soon afterwards, and two have since been discharged.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.

Related Articles

Back to top button