MASOYI- What started as a night of fun on Christmas Eve took a devastating turn at a local tavern when a patron shot a DJ before turning the gun on himself.
Police in Masoyi are investigating a shooting incident that occurred in Mganduzweni Trust during a patrol on the R538 Road, as part of the 2025/2026 Operation Festive Season.
According to a report, police noticed a group of people coming out from a tavern. They then stopped and upon investigating, they discovered that a shooting had occurred inside. Tragically, lifeless bodies of DJ Mdu Ngoma(33) and Swarelo Sibiya (28) were found with injuries. Medical Personnel were summoned to the scene and unfortunately certified both individuals dead.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says the DJ who had been playing music for patrons inside the tavern, stopped playing the music then packed his equipment.
“The patrons are said to have insisted that he should continue playing the music because it was Christmas time. The DJ then reportedly indicated that it was time for closure of the tavern. Despite his attempts to explain, tensions escalated. A patron, aged 28, allegedly drew a firearm and shot the DJ before turning the gun on himself,” said Mdluli.
A case of murder has been opened along with an inquest. The firearm used was later recovered and two suspects, aged 21 and 28 have been arrested.
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One is facing a charge of defeating the ends of justice. The other suspect is facing a charge of illegal possession of a firearm with ammunition. The investigation is ongoing and the serial number of the recovered firearm has been filed off. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if the weapon was not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere. Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding more charges against the arrested suspects.
