2022 Pietermaritzburg shooting
Pietermaritzburg is located in South Africa
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg (South Africa)
LocationPietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Date9 July 2022
Attack type
Mass shooting
Weapon9mm pistol
Deaths4
Injured8
Perpetrators2 suspects arrested; names withheld
No. of participants
2–4

On 9 July 2022, a mass shooting occurred at the Samukelisiwe tavern at Sweetwaters in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The shooting left four people dead and eight others injured.

Shooting

At about 8:30 pm, two men entered Sweetwaters tavern in Pietermaritzburg, where they shot 12 patrons at random with a 9mm pistol.[1] Two people died at the scene, and two more died in the hospital. The deceased were between the ages of 30 and 45. Eight others were injured during the attack.[2] There was no conversation or fight that led to the shooting, and no one was robbed.[3] The gunmen fled in a Volkswagen Polo.[4]

On the same day, 15 people were killed in a mass shooting at a tavern in Soweto. However, police do not believe these shootings are linked.[5]

Investigation

6 bullet shells, 1 live round, 16 cartridges, and a 9mm pistol were found at the scene. Forensic experts, members of crime intelligence, and a tactical unit led by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit were sent to Pietermaritzburg to investigate the shooting.[6]

Between 11 July, 2022, and 12 July, 2022, police arrested four suspects, aged between 19 and 36, in connection with the shooting.[7] Two of the suspects were found with an illegally obtained firearm and 17 rounds of ammunition when they were arrested. The two other suspects were released due to a lack of evidence.[8]

Aftermath

Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, made a statement about the mass shootings in Pietermaritzburg and Soweto, stating, “As a nation, we cannot allow violent criminals to terrorise us in this way, regardless of where such incidents may occur".[9]

Concerned that taverns were being targeted, the South African Liquor Traders Association also made a statement. Lucky Ntimane, convenor of the SALTA, said "The National Liquor Traders is concerned about the security of its traders and patrons we call on police to investigate fully the circumstances that lead to that tragedy. Taverns should be safe spaces where patrons are able to socialise and enjoy their alcoholic beverages in a safe environment," in regards to the shootings.[9]

The owner of the Samukelisiwe tavern announced that the tavern would be getting armed security.[10] However, the tavern's liquor license was suspended for 3 months because the tavern's security did not meet the license's guidelines.[11]

On 14 July, 2022, a memorial service was held at the KwaNxamalala Community Hall for Nkosingiphile Nsele, Mdumiseni Ngidi, Simphiwe Mthembu and Nkosinathi Mdladla, the 4 victims killed in the shooting.[12]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Ngema, Thobeka. "More details emerge in Pietermaritzburg tavern shooting which left 4 dead, 8 injured". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
  2. ↑ Ngema, Thobeka. "4 dead, 8 injured in tavern shooting in Pietermaritzburg". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
  3. ↑ Johannesburg, Agence France-Presse in (2022-07-11). "South Africa bar shootings: four killed in KwaZulu-Natal on same night as 15 die in Soweto". the Guardian. Retrieved 2022-07-11.
  4. ↑ Mokhoali, Veronica. "Pietermaritzburg tavern shooting: 4 people dead, at least 8 wounded". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
  5. ↑ Dludla, Nqobile; Cocks, Tim (2022-07-10). "Gunmen kill 19 people in 'random' bar shootings in South Africa". Reuters. Archived from the original on 2022-07-10. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
  6. ↑ Maseko, Zainul Dawood, Khulekani. "High-level team of detectives, forensic experts dispatched to Pietermaritzburg to probe tavern shooting". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 2022-07-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ↑ "Four suspects due in court over Pietermaritzburg tavern shooting". SowetanLIVE. 2022-07-20. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  8. ↑ "Four suspects arrested over Pietermaritzburg tavern shooting". Knysna-Plett Herald. 2022-07-15. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  9. 1 2 Mokhoali, Veronica (2022-07-10). "Ramaphosa sends condolences after the deaths of 19 in taverns in GP and KZN". ewn.co.za. Retrieved 2022-07-13.
  10. ↑ Singh, Kaveel (2022-07-12). "'Thick with blood': Pietermaritzburg tavern owner to get armed security as staff reel after rampage". News24. Retrieved 2022-07-13.
  11. ↑ McCain, Nicole (2022-07-14). "Pietermaritzburg tavern's liquor licence suspended after deadly shooting". News24. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
  12. ↑ Makhanya, Lethiwe (2022-07-15). "Father of Pietermaritzburg tavern shooting survivor describes the horror". Witness. Retrieved 2022-07-22.
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