By Kopano Dibakwane
All he hoped for was being with his family during the Christmas eve, but all that shuttered as his blood was all over in a tavern where he went to make a living.
A 33-year-old DJ identified as Mdu Ngoma was shot and killed at a tavern in Mganduzweni Trust, Masoyi, near White River before Christmas eve.
The incident which reportedly occurred at around 23h30 has sent shockwaves around the community.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the DJ was shot and killed by a patron who later turned the gun on himself, subsequently losing his own life in the process.
“ Preliminary reports indicate that the incident unfolded when the DJ, who had been playing music for patrons inside the tavern, stopped playing the music then packed his equipment. The patrons are said to have insisted that he should continue playing the music because it was Christmas time.
“ The DJ then reportedly indicated that it was time for closure of the tavern. Despite his attempts to explain, tensions escalated. A patron, aged 28, allegedly drew a firearm and shot the DJ before turning the gun on himself,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
The firearm that is allegedly to the killings was reported missing after the incident, but it was later found in the possession of two male suspects aged between 21 and 28.
According to Brigadier Mdhluli the suspects were nabbed on 25 December 2025. one suspect is reportedly facing a charge of defeating the ends of justice, while his accomplice is facing a charge of illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition.
“ The investigation is ongoing and the serial number of the recovered firearm has been filed off. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if the weapon was not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere. Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding more charges against the arrested suspects,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
