QONCE – Police have launched a manhunt for the murder suspects, after a 42-year-old tavern owner, traveling on a bike, was fatally shot in Qonce yesterday.

It is alleged that on Sunday, 06 November 2022 around midday, police were summoned to a complaint of a shooting at Fleet Street, Qonce.  At the scene, a biker (man) sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries.  It is further alleged that a bystander (woman) was hit by a stray bullet in the upper body and was rushed to hospital.  Police also seized 465 mandrax tablets, a black powder in a plastic bag, a 9mm pistol and undisclosed amount of cash.  The items seized will be subjected to forensic investigation.

Information in police records indicate that the deceased person, Thabo Justice Bheja (42), stopped at a junction when three armed men opened fire.  Bheja sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.  Bheja, who owned a tavern in Sweetwaters was previously nabbed for possession of illicit drugs, found inside his tavern in August this year.  The drug bust followed a shooting incident, where two people were fatally shot outside his tavern in Sweetwaters the same evening of his arrest.

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the investigating team on 082 301 7762.  The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App or at the nearest police station.

Source: South African Police Service