SIYABONGA SITHOLE
Johannesburg- The police have released the names and photos of the five alleged Soweto tavern killers who are said to be Basotho nationals.
The suspects, who are on the run and possibly outside the country, are wanted for the murder of 16 revellers of the KwaMdlalose tavern in Nomzamo, Orlando East after they reportedly opened fire on a group of tavern patrons in the early hours of Sunday, July 10, 2022. The motive for the mass shooting is still not known.
It is understood that the gunmen were armed with 9mm pistols as well as an AK47. Twelve of the victims, aged 19-35, died on the scene while two others died on the way to the hospital and the last two died in hospital days after the incident.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello said a warrant of arrest for the five men identified as Tshepisong Elliot Radebe, Thabang Radikatara, Tshidiso Moleko, Keletso Rabasotho and Sarel Lehlanya Sello has been issued.
The police have urged anyone with information that can assist the police to trace the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the police immediately.
"The police in Gauteng are searching for the five men who are suspected to be linked to a tavern shooting incident at Nomzamo tavern in Orlando East. The incident happened on 10 July, 2022, whereby a group of armed men reportedly entered a local tavern and started shooting randomly, claiming the lives of 16 people, " a statement from the provincial police department said.
Last week, Gauteng Premier David Makhura confirmed that the suspects had been traced to Lesotho after they escaped to the country following the mass shooting that sent shock waves across the country. Makhura said the SAPS was in talks with Interpol and officials in the SADC to track and trace the suspects.
The suspects are facing 16 cases of murder and seven of attempted murder.
At the time, Police Minister Bheki Cele said more than 137 cartridges were recovered from the scene of the shooting with the use of an AK47 confirmed by the police as being central in the shooting. The minister further stated that the suspects were travelling in a white minibus (Quantum).
The Star