A lobola celebration ended in bloodshed when a tavern owner allegedly shot and killed seven people after he had an altercation with one of the family members. The victims were celebrating at their house at the Mokokotlong informal settlement in Orange Farm after lobola negotiations.

IT STARTED AT A TAVERN 

Gauteng Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said it is reported that one of the victims went to a local tavern in the early hours of this morning to buy alcohol but found the establishment closed. He allegedly had an altercation with the tavern owner and went back home. "It is alleged that the tavern owner followed him home, where the family members were still celebrating after lobola negotiations. The tavern owner entered the house and opened fire on the family members, killing seven people in the process," Muridili said. She added that the victims included a three-year-old boy, a neighbour, and a friend. "Four people survived the shooting, two of them, a 31-year-old and a one-year-old boy, were taken to the hospital with injuries, while a 24-year-old woman and a four-year-old did not sustain any injuries," she said. 

SUSPECT TOOK HIS LIFE

According to Muridili, the suspect drove back to his house in Evaton, where he allegedly shot himself. "He was rushed to the hospital, but he died on arrival." The provincial serious and violent crimes unit has registered seven counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and an inquest.