Barberton SAPS members in Mpumalanga have made a breakthrough in the case of an alleged gang-related killing that claimed two lives on Friday.

On Monday, four suspects (aged between 25 and 28) were arrested in connection with the incident in which two young men, one aged 18, were killed. The other, whose age is currently unknown, is yet to be identified.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the deadly battle reportedly broke out between gang rivals, resulting in two succumbing to their injuries.

“The incident occurred around 08:30. A group of about 20 people were on their way to dig a grave in preparation for a funeral in Umjindini Trust in Barberton, which was planned to take place on Saturday.

“It is said that before they could reach the graveside, a scuffle broke out in which shots were fired. Some of those who were there are said to have run for cover, but two young men were shot. One died on the scene, while the other died in hospital. One was identified by his family as Thembinkosi Ngobese,” Mohlala said.

He explained a case with two counts of murder was opened, and that police worked around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators were swiftly brought to book.

The team cornered the four suspects hiding at a certain house in Umjindini Trust in the Mangozeni area of Barberton. Police found a 9mm Z88 pistol with its serial number filed off.

“A total of 11 live rounds of ammunition, four butcher knives and a golf club were seized. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing,” Mohlala said.

The suspects are facing a charge of the possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, as well as the possession of a dangerous weapon, and could possibly be linked to the two counts of murder. The four are due to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, used the arrest as an opportunity to reassure the public of the capability and expertise the SAPS possesses in order to deal effectively with crime.