NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has strongly condemned an incident in which two people were fatally shot whilst three others sustained injuries at Koedoespoort near Vaalbank in the Nkangala District. The horrific incident is said to have occurred on Saturday, 04 September 2021 at a local tavern in the area. Meanwhile, SAPS members at Vaalbank have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

According to the reports at police disposal, a scuffle broke out at the tavern which turned violent where an armed man allegedly drew a firearm and shot five people before he fled the scene. The victims were taken to hospital for treatment, however, the police were later notified that a 33-year-old male victim was certified dead. Another male victim aged 29 succumbed to his injuries on Monday, 06 September 2021 also in hospital. The other three victims are still under medical care in hospital. The police at Vaalbank opened a case with two counts of murder as well as three counts of attempted murder. No one has been arrested as yet hence the manhunt.

The police at Vaalbank also believe that Mr Martin Laka, whose picture is attached can assist with the investigation.

Members of the public who have information on the whereabouts of the suspect or know where police can find Mr Martin Laka are urged to contact Detective Sergeant Fikile Mahlangu at 0711899014 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Members of the community can also send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Manamela has further ordered that an investigation that must establish the time in which the incident occurred to determine whether the lockdown rules were also not broken during this incident.

Source: South African Police Service