Pienaar tavern massacre: Ninth person dies in hospital, suspects remanded in custody

Police, emergency teams and forensic services at the scene where six people were shot dead in a mass shooting in Pienaar in Mpumalanga. The death toll has risen to nine.

Police, emergency teams and forensic services at the scene where six people were shot dead in a mass shooting in Pienaar in Mpumalanga. The death toll has risen to nine.

Published 16h ago

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The death toll from a mass shooting at a tavern in Mpumalanga earlier this month has risen to nine.

Police confirmed that a 33-year-old man died in hospital on Monday.

On Saturday, January 11, it was reported that six people were gunned down at a tavern in Pienaar.

At the time, police said six people died at the scene and two more died in hospital.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said two suspects have been arrested for the murders.

"Bongani Nkosi and Mduduzi 'Khehla' Lubisi appeared at the Kabokweni Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. The two provisionally withdrew their bail application during their court appearance," he said.

Bongani Patrick Nkosi appeared at Kabokweni Magistrate's Court for the brutal murder of eight people at Pienaar, Mpumalanga. Photo: Supplied/SAPS
Mpumalanga police have made another breakthrough after arresting a 43-year-old suspect in the  Pienaar tavern shooting. Photo: Supplied/SAPS

Ndubane said a charge of murder had been added to the charge sheet after the ninth victim's death.

The case was postponed to March 28. The men have been remanded in custody.

While investigations continue, the shooting is alleged to be linked to local gangs.

Provincial police acting commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, said from what has been gathered so far by the team is that the incident seems to have been gang-related.

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