By Staff Reporter
MASOYI-A Christmas Eve celebration at a tavern in Masoyi, near White River in Mpumalanga, ended in tragedy after a dispute over music escalated into deadly gun violence late on Wednesday night, 24 December 2025.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 23h30 at a tavern in the Mganduzweni Trust area.
The DJ had finished his set and was packing up his equipment when patrons allegedly asked him to continue playing music due to the festive atmosphere. The DJ reportedly explained that it was time for the tavern to close.
Tensions are said to have escalated during the exchange. A 28-year-old patron allegedly produced a firearm and shot the DJ before turning the weapon on himself.
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) from Masoyi were conducting Operation Festive Season 2025/2026 patrols along the R538 road when they noticed people rushing out of the tavern. Upon investigating, officers discovered two men lying inside the establishment. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene and both men were declared dead.
Police have opened a case of murder and an inquest. The circumstances surrounding the firearm are still under investigation, and preliminary reports indicate that the tavern is licensed.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence. He called for a thorough investigation, particularly into how a firearm was able to enter a liquor establishment.
Police investigations are continuing.
