Police, emergency teams and forensic services at the scene where six people were shot dead in a mass shooting in Pienaar in Mpumalanga on Saturday morning.
Image: Screenshot
Police in Mpumalanga believe the motive for Saturday morning's mass shooting could be gang-related.
Provincial police acting commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, visited the crime scene on Sunday where he confirmed that the death toll remained at eight.
"The team is still hard at work tracing suspects. No arrest has been made yet," he said.
Mkhwanazi added that one person, wounded in the shooting, was discharged from hospital while two others were still receiving medical treatment.
"From what has been gathered so far by the team is that the incident seems to have been gang-related," he said.
Police are investigating the shooting after gunmen stormed a tavern in Pienaar.
Six people were declared dead at the scene while two more died in hospital.
"Two VW Polo's were also found at the scene with bullet holes and one of the victims was found dead inside one of the vehicles," said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane
Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, MEC Jackie Macie, condemned the incident.
"We are imploring on all members of the public who may have information to come forward and assist the police. This incident yet again brings into a sharp focus the challenges posed by gun violence in this country," the MEC said.
"We are again calling on liquor traders to always prioritise the safety of their patrons. We further extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and we also wish those who were injured a speedy recovery," Macie said.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL