PIENAAR – Levisa Tavern in has been temporarily closed following a devastating mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight people and left two others seriously injured on Saturday, January 11.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting concerns about violence and safety in the area.
Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkwanazi, announced on Wednesday that the recent shooting incident has left the community reeling, during a press briefing at the provincial police headquarters in Mbombela.
Speaking during the briefing, also attended by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, the police commissioner explained that the temporary closure of the outlet is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring public safety.
READ | Pienaar tavern shooting suspect appears in court
“We have given the Levisa tarven a notice to remain closed for 30 days while the investigation is ongoing,” he explained.
As the incident has sparked concerns about violence and safety in the area, Mkhwanazi further revealed that the police had previously visited the outlet during the safer festive season operations and fined them for operating beyond the regulated time in terms of their trading licence.”
“We visited the Dludlu outlet and gave them a J534 for failing to close at 00:00. We also made it clear that it must be closed at the right time,” he added.
However, the police have arrested two suspects connected to the incident. Bongani Nkosi (39) has been charged with eight counts of murder, while the second suspect, Mduduzi “Kehla” Lubisi(43) faces charges for possession of unlicensed firearms.
Both suspects’ cases have been postponed to January 21 for a formal bail application.
According to reports, the incident is not the first of its kind at the tavern. A patron was shot dead on the premises in December 2024.
READ | Pienaar tavern shooting leaves eight dead
In an interview with Mpumalanga Mirror, Levisa Tavern co-owner, Duduzile Dludlu expressed her deep sadness over the recent shooting incidents, stating that they would undoubtedly tarnish the business’s reputation. She urged the community and the MEC for Community Safety to ensure that the perpetrators are prosecuted.
