By: The Youth Voice Reporter
Mbombela (Nelspruit): Police in Masoyi have launched an investigation following a tragic shooting incident in which a tavern patron allegedly shot a DJ before turning the firearm on himself on Christmas Eve.The incident occurred at about 23:30 on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, at a tavern in Mganduzweni Trust, Masoyi, near White River.
According to police, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were conducting routine patrols along the R538 as part of the 2025/2026 Operation Festive Season when they noticed a group of people fleeing from the tavern. Officers stopped to investigate and discovered that a shooting had taken place inside the establishment.Two adult males were found lying inside the tavern with gunshot wounds.
Emergency medical personnel were summoned to the scene and both victims were declared dead.Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident began when the DJ, who had been entertaining patrons, stopped playing music and started packing his equipment as the tavern was preparing to close. Patrons allegedly demanded that he continue playing, citing Christmas celebrations. Despite the DJ explaining that it was closing time, an argument reportedly ensued.Police allege that a 28-year-old patron then produced a firearm and shot the DJ before turning the weapon on himself.
A case of murder and an inquest have been opened for investigation. The firearm used in the incident has not yet been recovered. Police have also confirmed that the tavern is reportedly licensed.The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence.He further called for a thorough investigation into how a firearm was allowed into a liquor establishment, noting that the presence of dangerous weapons in such premises is strictly prohibited.“The increase in shooting incidents at liquor outlets is alarming and harmful to our society.
Tavern owners have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their patrons and employees. Failure to comply with safety regulations carries legal consequences. A life has been lost, and such tragic incidents cannot be allowed to go without consequences,” said Mkhwanazi.