By Kopano Dibakwane
The police in Mpumalanga have arrested two suspects, Patrick Bongani Nkosi(39) and Mduduzi “Khehla” Lubisi(43), allegedly linked to the devastating shooting incident that occurred outside a tavern at Pienaar, near the City of Mbombela, in the early hours of Saturday 11 January 2025, leaving eight people dead and three others hospitalised.
Six people were reportedly shot and killed at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. One of the three injured victims was subsequently discharged from hospital, while two others remained for medical treatment.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, said two VW Polos were found riddled with bullet holes at the scene and one of the victims was found dead inside one of the vehicles. The police activated a 72-hour plan to identify the culprits, which led to the arrest of Nkosi and Lubisi in less than a week.
Lt-Col Ndubane said, at the time, that the motive behind the shooting was not clear, but it later emerged during a media briefing led by Mpumalanga MEC for DCSSL(Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Jackie Macie, and Acting Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, on Tuesday 15 January 2025, that further investigations point to a possibility of the act being gang-related.
General Mkhwanazi said one man reportedly shot randomly in the air, not directed to anyone. The man reportedly left the scene and returned with others in the two VW Polos. The occupants in the vehicles were reportedly shot by two assailants as they were coming out of their vehicles.
The two suspects, Nkosi and Lubisi, were arrested on 12 and 14 January 2025, respectively. Nkosi appeared before the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on 14 January while Lubisi appeared at the same court on 16 January facing 8 counts of murder, including 2 counts of attempted murder.
Additional charges against Lubisi include possession of unlicensed firearms. Lubisi was reportedly convicted for a case of assault GBH in 2017 and sentenced to 5 months or a fine of R5 000.
Nkosi was allegedly found in possession of a pistol with about 13 live ammunition, during his arrest.
The MEC for Mpumalanga DCSSL(Community Safety, Security and Liaison), Jackie Macie, has expressed shock and vehemently condemned the tragedy.
“ This incident yet again brings into sharp focus the challenges posed by gun violence in this country. 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. The perpetrators must be arrested,” said Macie.
The two suspects were remanded in custody and they both appeared at the same court on 21 January 2025 for formal bail application. It was revealed during their second court appearance that an additional charge of murder was added against Nkosi and Lubisi after the 9th victim(male aged 33)passed away in hospital on Monday evening, 20 January 2025.
“ The two provisionally withdrew their bail application during their court appearance. The case was postponed to 28 March 2025 and the two remained in custody,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
