Mpumalanga man appears in court for killing eight people outside Pienaar tavern

A 39-year- old man, Bongani Patrick Nkosi, appeared at Kabokweni Magistrate's Court on Tuesday after he was arrested for allegedly shooting and killing eight people at Pienaar, Mpumalanga.

The shooting happened on Saturday, at 4am, according to Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

“A 39-year-old male suspect was arrested in Pienaar on Sunday night, January 12. The team has managed to make a breakthrough, and during the suspect’s arrest, police confiscated a pistol with about 13 live ammunition,” said Ndubane.

Ndubane said six people were killed at the scene. The deceased included a woman and five men. Later on, two other victims – a man and a woman – succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Three other victims, two men and a woman, were hospitalised after sustaining injuries during the shooting.

“Two Volkswagen Polos were also found at the scene with bullet holes and one of the victims was found dead inside one of the vehicles. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown at this stage, and circumstances surrounding this incident is still under investigation,” Ndubane said on Saturday.

In an update, Ndubane said one of the injured victims has been discharged, and two others remain in hospital.

Following the shooting, Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, condemned the horrific incident.

"We are once more appealing that the police be given space and time to get to the bottom of the shootings. The perpetrators must be urgently arrested," he said.

"We are again calling on liquor traders to always prioritise the safety of their patrons. We further extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, and we also wish those who were injured a speedy recovery."

Meanwhile, Nkosi's matter was postponed to January 21, 2025 for a formal bail application.

He was remanded in custody.

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