By Johnathan Paoli
Police in Mpumalanga have recovered the firearm used in a deadly Christmas Eve tavern shooting in Masoyi near White River and arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of a local DJ, as investigations into the incident continue.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that two men, aged 21 and 28, were arrested on Christmas Day following an intensive manhunt launched after the fatal shooting at a liquor outlet shortly before midnight on 24 December.
The incident claimed the life of DJ Mdu Ngoma (33), who was performing at the tavern when a dispute reportedly escalated into violence.
According to police, one suspect has been charged with defeating the ends of justice, while the second faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Authorities have indicated that additional charges may still be added as the investigation progresses.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the shooting occurred as the tavern was preparing to close.
Ngoma was reportedly packing up after completing his set when a patron became angry after the music was switched off.
The argument allegedly centred on demands that the DJ continue performing despite closing time.
Police allege that the suspect, identified as Swarelo Sibiya (28), opened fire on Ngoma during the confrontation, fatally wounding him.
The gunman then allegedly turned the firearm on himself.
When officers arrived at the scene shortly after 11:30pm, they found two men lying motionless with gunshot wounds and traumatised patrons fleeing the premises.
However, the firearm used in the shooting was initially missing, complicating the investigation.
SAPS spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Donald Ndluli, said police later established that one of the patrons had removed the weapon from the scene.
“The firearm plays a crucial role in the investigation, and at that stage we could not recover it. Our members worked tirelessly, and detectives from Masoyi managed to trace and arrest two suspects,” Ndluli explained.
During the arrests, police recovered a firearm and ammunition believed to have been used in the shooting.
The serial number on the weapon had been filed off, and police have confirmed that it will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it may have been used in other criminal activities.
“The other suspect is alleged to have removed the firearm and cartridges from the scene. One suspect is charged with defeating the ends of justice, while the other faces a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They are expected to appear in court next week,” Ndluli said.
Police also confirmed that several patrons were interviewed, and their statements assisted investigators in tracking down the suspects and recovering the firearm.
The Masoyi shooting is the third tavern-related shooting reported in the country this month and comes amid growing national concern over gun violence at liquor establishments.
The incident follows a mass shooting in Bekkersdal, west of Johannesburg, less than a week earlier, where ten people were killed after gunmen opened fire at a tavern.
Ndluli said SAPS continues to urge liquor traders to take greater responsibility for security at their premises, particularly during the festive season.
He stressed that patrons should be searched before entering taverns to prevent firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons from being brought inside.
“The issue of security falls within the authority of liquor traders. They must ensure that their customers are safe. CCTV cameras and proper access control can assist greatly in investigations when incidents occur,” he said.
Police confirmed that the Masoyi tavern was licensed and had been subjected to compliance inspections during festive season operations earlier this month.
Despite enforcement efforts, SAPS acknowledged ongoing challenges, including resistance from patrons during searches.
Investigations into the killing of DJ Ngoma are continuing.
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