Mpumalanga police are searching for three suspects after a man was shot dead at a tavern in Marite, on Friday night.
Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, said police were alerted to a shooting at around 10pm at a tavern in Marite’s Jim Brown area.
“Upon arrival, Police found the lifeless body of a man in bushes, next to the main road. He was unfortunately certified dead by the Paramedics who also attended the scene,” Nonyane-Mpe said.
At this stage, evidence suggests that the victim was drinking at the tavern when three armed suspects approached him and started shooting at his vehicle, a silver-grey Mahindra.
“Thereafter, the suspects are said to have entered the tavern and randomly fired some shots, causing patrons to flee for safety,” police said.
The victim is believed to have tried to escape and collapsed outside the venue.
Nonyane-Mpe said the suspects fled the scene in a white VW Polo.
During the Preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the victim’s firearm was missing from its safe, and it is suspected that the weapon could have been stolen.
Police urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Sikhumbuzo Ceko on 082 922 9902.
