News24.com | Man torched inside vehicle, another shot dead at Mpumalanga tavern

When police arrived at the scene, they reportedly found one of the victims still burning inside the vehicle.

• Two men have been killed at a Mpumalanga tavern.
• One of them was torched inside his vehicle.
• Police suspect that he shot the other man, after which he was attacked by a crowd.

Police have launched an investigation into two murders at a Mpumalanga tavern on Christmas day, after one man was shot dead and another burnt to death in his vehicle.

The Kwaggafontein murders took place at around 03:30, said police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

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One of the victims was reportedly torched inside a VW Citi Golf after being severely assaulted in "what appears to be an act of retaliation", said Mohlala.

"When the members arrived at the scene, they reportedly found one of the victims still burning inside the said vehicle. Most of his upper body was severely burnt. 

"Emergency medical personnel, including fire and rescue workers, were also summoned to the scene," said Mohlala. He added that the man could not be saved and died at the scene.

"A second victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds, was also found dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations thus far revealed some allegations that the man who was torched had earlier fatally shot the other male victim, [and] then he was allegedly assaulted by a group of people," said Mohlala.

Mohlala added: "It is further alleged that thereafter, he ran to his vehicle, and that was when he was torched inside the car."

No arrests have been made. Police have urged anyone with information to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Mpumalanga police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, said the incident took place at a time when liquor outlets should have been closed.

She said law enforcement agencies would "deal decisively with those who decide to contravene the regulations".