Johannesburg - Three suspects aged between 26 and 33 were arrested in Mafora, Mangaung, in the Free State, on Sunday following the murder of Tumelo Phiri, a 45-year-old businessman.
The Free State police said that the owner of By Hoek Lounge was murdered while closing his outlet on Sunday morning at about 01:05.
“According to reports, a fight broke out at the lounge earlier and the 45-year-old businessman intervened only to be threatened by the suspect that he is coming back for him,” said Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane.
“It is alleged that Phiri was busy closing the outlet when the suspect approached him and shot him several times. One bystander was hit by the bullet on the hand.”
Covane said the police at Mangaung were called to the scene and a hunt for the suspect ensued.
Subsequetly, the 30-year-old male was traced and arrested in Mafora, Mangaung and two other suspects aged 26 and 33 were also arrested as accomplices to the murder incident.
“A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at Mangaung Police Station. Charges of defeating the ends of justice and violation of the Immigration Act were added. All three suspects are foreign nationals,” Covane said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
The Star