A 28 year old man shot and killed a DJ at a tavern in Masoyi, Mpumalanga, before turning the firearm on himself, police have confirmed.
The incident occurred after the DJ had finished his performance and was packing away his equipment. Police say patrons at the tavern allegedly pressured him to continue playing music. When he refused, one of the patrons produced a firearm and shot him before fatally shooting himself.
Officers responding to the scene found both men lying lifeless on the tavern floor. A case of murder has been opened, along with an inquest, as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, and investigations remain ongoing.
The incident has renewed concern over rising violence at taverns and shebeens across the country. Acting Deputy National Police Commissioner Khosi Senthumule has reiterated calls for stronger cooperation between law enforcement, communities and community policing forums to address violent crime linked to liquor establishments.
Senthumule was speaking at a Tavern Safety Summit held in Soweto, which focused on tackling the growing number of violent incidents associated with taverns. The summit followed a series of deadly shootings nationwide, with more than 40 people killed since January and over 30 others injured in tavern related attacks. Recent incidents include the Saulsville massacre and the Bekkersdal shooting.
Police leadership has emphasised that tavern safety remains a national priority, noting that violence at liquor outlets is closely connected to broader social challenges. Authorities have stressed that effective crime prevention requires active community involvement alongside law enforcement efforts.
Ongoing measures include tightening regulation of taverns, improving compliance with liquor laws and strengthening partnerships with communities to prevent violence and promote safer environments at liquor establishments.
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