Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to visit families after deadly Zithobeni tavern shooting
The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, is set to visit the families of the victims of the tragic mass shooting that left five people dead and six injured at the Zithobeni Tavern in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Tshwane Municipality.
The devastating incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, sparking renewed concerns over violent crime and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Gauteng government confirmed that Premier Lesufi will offer his condolences and reaffirm the provincial government’s support to the affected families and the community during this difficult time.
“The Premier will convey his condolences and affirm the Gauteng Provincial Government’s support to affected families and the community during this time of loss,” the statement said.
“As part of his visit, Premier Lesufi will also receive a briefing from the South African Police Service (SAPS) on the developments in the ongoing investigations into the incident.
“The provincial government remains committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.”
According to police reports, two armed suspects entered the tavern shortly after 1:30 am on Sunday, demanding that one of the patrons hand over his licensed firearm. Witnesses reported that following the robbery, the suspects fired indiscriminately, injuring the firearm’s owner and fatally shooting five others.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Brenda Muridili confirmed, “The police in Bronkhorstspruit responded to a shooting incident at a tavern in Zithobeni, on Sunday at about 01:30, where five people were killed and six were injured.
“It is reported by witnesses that two men known in the community came into the tavern and demanded that one of the patrons hand over his licensed firearm.”
The shooting has ignited calls from the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety for urgent measures to tackle violent crime and the easy availability of firearms in social spaces.
“This tragedy serves as a wake-up call,” said the committee. “It is imperative that we take immediate and decisive action to curb violent crime fuelled by the proliferation of illegal weapons.”
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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