Suspect Arrested in Deadly Zithobeni Tavern Shooting That Left Five Dead, Faces Murder Charges
Bronkhorstspruit – Police have made a breakthrough in the horrific tavern shooting in Zithobeni that left five people dead and six wounded earlier this month, arresting a 29-year-old man in KwaZulu-Natal. The attack, which happened on 5 October 2025, saw two armed men storm the venue, demand a licensed firearm from a patron, shoot him, steal the weapon, and then fire randomly into the crowd. Gauteng police spokesperson Brenda Muridili confirmed the suspect, Mzwakhe David Khumalo, faces five counts of murder and six of attempted murder, with a court appearance set for Thursday, 23 October 2025, in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court. As families mourn and survivors recover, this arrest brings some hope for justice in a community shaken by the senseless violence.
The incident has highlighted ongoing safety concerns in local taverns, where robberies and shootings are not uncommon. Five of the injured have since left hospital, while one remains under care. Police say the motive seems tied to the stolen gun, but investigations continue to uncover if there are deeper links to organised crime.
The Arrest: Swift Action Across Provinces
Gauteng’s Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations team, working with Bronkhorstspruit police, tracked down the suspect in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 21 October 2025. Khumalo was nabbed without incident and brought back to Gauteng for questioning. This quick move shows the police’s commitment to solving high-profile cases, especially those involving multiple deaths.
Muridili praised the teamwork: “The arrest is a testament to the dedication of our officers in pursuing justice for the victims and their families.” The suspect’s capture came after tips from witnesses and forensic work at the scene, where shell casings and other evidence were gathered.
The Deadly Attack: Chaos in the Tavern
On the morning of 5 October 2025, two men entered the tavern in Zithobeni and targeted a patron with a licensed firearm. They demanded the weapon, shot the owner when he resisted, and grabbed it before turning their guns on the crowd. The random firing killed five people on the spot and left six others hurt, some badly.
Witnesses described a scene of panic, with people diving for cover as bullets flew. The attackers fled, leaving behind a trail of blood and shock. Emergency services rushed the wounded to nearby hospitals, where doctors worked to save lives. This kind of violence has become too common in Gauteng, where armed robberies often turn deadly.
Police Investigation: From Scene to Suspect
Right after the shooting, police cordoned off the tavern and started gathering clues. Forensic teams collected evidence, while detectives spoke to survivors and locals for leads. The case was handed to the serious crimes unit due to the number of victims.
Muridili said: “Five of the injured have since been discharged from the hospital, while the sixth is still receiving treatment.” This update brings some relief, but the focus remains on holding those responsible accountable.
The probe revealed the attackers’ main goal was the firearm, but the random shots suggest a reckless disregard for life. Police are checking if the suspects have ties to local gangs or robbery syndicates, common in the area.
Community Impact: Fear and Calls for Safety
Zithobeni residents are reeling from the tragedy, with many scared to visit taverns or gather in public spots. Families of the dead are grieving, while the injured face long recoveries. Local leaders have called for more police patrols and community programmes to fight crime.
This shooting adds to Gauteng’s high murder rate, where taverns often become targets for robbers seeking quick gains. Groups like the Economic FreedomFighters have urged tougher action on gun control and syndicates.
Online, the story has spread fast, with posts sharing witness accounts and demanding justice. One user wrote: “Heartbreaking – five lives gone in seconds. When will this stop?” Another called for better lighting and security around taverns.
Court Ahead: What Happens Next
Khumalo is set to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where prosecutors will lay out the charges. If convicted, he could face life in prison for the murders. Police say they are still hunting for the second suspect, believed to be involved.
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