Cops among four dead in KZN tavern shooting
- A fight at an illegal KZN tavern turned deadly when five men opened fire, killing four people including two off-duty police officers.
- The violence began after a peaceful resolution to an earlier argument, leaving four others badly wounded in hospital.
Four people were shot dead and four others badly hurt after a fight broke out at an illegal tavern in Sundumbili, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday night.
Two off-duty police officers were among those killed.
Police are now hunting for five men who turned the tavern into a killing ground after what started as a simple argument.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda said one police constable had gotten into an argument with the five men earlier in the night. “The argument was resolved peacefully, and the constable bought alcohol for the five men,” he said.
But peace didn’t last long. “A little later, the other constable had another scuffle with the same five men just outside the tavern, which resulted in the constable being shot at.
“The bleeding constable reportedly ran back into the tavern, with the suspects following him as they continued shooting randomly at everyone inside,” said Netshiunda.
Three people, including one of the police officers, died on the spot. The second officer was rushed to hospital but was dead on arrival.
The four wounded survivors are now fighting for their lives in hospital.
Police have shut down the tavern and confiscated all its alcohol after finding out it was operating illegally.
“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to call the nearest police station or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” Netshiunda said.
Pictured above: A crime scene where four people were shot and killed at a tavern in KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: KwaZulu-Natal SAPS