Johannesburg - Gauteng police are searching for a man who allegedly shot at revellers during a performance by a Zimbabwean band at Hillbrow Theatre early Sunday.
One person died and eight others injured after the man, who was part of the audience, suddenly jumped on stage just after 2am and announced that his cellphone had been stolen, said spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.
"It is not clear whether the cellphone was stolen or not. He jumped on stage, grabbed the microphone and demanded that the band stop playing until his cellphone is returned. He then fired randomly when the audience protested, injuring eight and fatally injuring one. He fled on foot."
The deceased has subsequently been identified as 26-year-old Allan Percy Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean national.
Eleven cartridges from a 9mm firearm were found at the scene.
Theatre management condemned the incident and said the premises were hired out to a music promoter for the night.
''We are shocked by the incident and are trying to find ways to provide trauma counselling for any of our staff who were on duty. Additional security is hired for all events at the Hillbrow Theatre, which is also stipulated in contracts for external companies hiring the venue,'' said Hillbrow Theatre director Gerard Bester in a statement on Monday.
''Our deepest condolences go to family and friends of the deceased and heartfelt sympathy to all those who were injured and traumatised by the event.''