By Staff Reporter
ALEXANDRA – A night meant for fun and relaxation turned into a scene of horror on Saturday night after an armed gang stormed a popular tavern known to many Tzaneen residents as Mabyanyeng or Morotong, in Alexandra.
The attackers fatally shot a man from Tlhabine, Ga-Mogoboya, and left another man wounded.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the assailants entered the tavern pretending to be armed robbers, demanding cash and cellphones from patrons. However, the situation escalated within seconds when the suspects opened fire, shooting a man at close range in full view of stunned customers.
“They didn’t just come to rob – they came to kill,” said one patron, still visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Panic broke out as terrified patrons ran for cover, some ducking under tables while others fled through the back of the tavern. Emergency services were called to the scene, where the victim from Tlhabine was declared dead on arrival. The second victim was transported to Edenvale Hospital with gunshot wounds and is currently in a stable condition.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, who fled into the night after the brazen attack. No arrests have been made so far.
The incident has left the Alexandra and Tzaneen communities deeply shocked. “It’s becoming more dangerous to go out nowadays. Criminals are fearless and heartless,” said a local resident.
Police are urging anyone with information to assist in the investigation.
If you witnessed the incident or have any details that could help, please contact Sandringham Police Station on 071 675 6126 / 7 / 9, or use the My SAPS app or the police hotline.
Investigations are ongoing.
