Tragedy struck Sebokeng in the early hours of Saturday morning when gunfire erupted at TK’s Tavern, commonly known as Sgureng, in Zone 10 — leaving five people injured and one dead.
According to eyewitness Sello Theka, the suspect, along with his friends and girlfriend from the Golden Gardens area, arrived at Sgureng in the early hours of the morning. They sat down, enjoyed their drinks, and socialised before the tragic events unfolded.
He said the suspect got into an argument with his girlfriend over a beer. When others tried to intervene, he was reprimanded and eventually chased away.
Theka said a few moments later the suspect came back and was carrying four firearms, in both hands, the other two on his waist. He then started shooting randomly.
“One of the people (the deceased) tried to hold him from behind and he was shot twice and the next thing I saw was him lying down,” he said.
According to police reports, the deceased was declared dead at the scene by EMS personnel, while four others were rushed to Sebokeng Hospital and treated for various injuries.
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the suspect is known and was still at large.
“The police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder. The suspect is not yet arrested as he fled the scene after the shooting. A task team has been mobilised by the Station management to follow up on all received leads to trace and arrest the suspect.”
The police would like to plead with the public to assist with any information that may assist in finding the suspect. Any person who may have information can contact Sebokeng SAPS anonymously on 082 498 9563, 112, 08600 10111 or 10111. Alternatively, via MySAPS.
She added that the tavern has been issued a notice of contravention under the Gauteng Liquor Act, and a report will be compiled for further handling by the Gauteng Liquor Board regarding its 24-hour operation.
“Gauteng Liquor Act regulates the trading hours of taverns which are regarded as on-consumption and should operate from 10:00am until 02:00am. With the tavern in question, the act was contravened hence the establishment was issued with a notice of contravention in terms of the Gauteng Liquor Act and a report will be compiled to be handled further by the Gauteng Liquor Board,” she said
The tavern, which operates 24 hours, is notorious among locals as a dangerous place, where many have been stabbed, robbed, and nearly lost their lives.
Palesa Marumo raised her concerns about the tavern, urging the police to intervene and permanently shut it down, as many horrific incidents have occurred.
“Police must shut that place down for good! It’s a hell hole — young people are losing their lives because of alcohol. Why is it even allowed to operate 24 hours? We've had enough; it must close,” she said.
Thami Nkomo, another resident, agreed with Marumo, insisting that the tavern should have been closed years ago. He recounted an incident where a young woman was found unresponsive in a car at the venue and pointed out that many young people leaving the establishment have fallen victim to stabbings and robberies.
“Enough is enough! When will the law take its course? As residents, we demand that the place be shut down. We’ve heard countless stories and witnessed people getting robbed after leaving that tavern. A woman's body was once found in a car there, yet nothing was done — the establishment continued operating as if nothing had happened.”
The Star