Suspect linked to fatal New Year’s tavern shooting in Mpumalanga nabbed in Gauteng

Mapaballo Borotho

A 35-year-old suspect linked to a deadly New Year’s Day tavern shooting in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga, has been arrested in Gauteng.
He was found in possession of a firearm with live ammunition, believed to have been used in the double murder.
Mpumalanga MEC Jackie Macie has welcomed the arrest, calling for those responsible to face the full force of the law.

A suspect allegedly linked to a deadly New Year’s Day tavern shooting in Embalenhle, Mpumalanga, has been arrested. The 35-year-old man was nabbed on Saturday, 3 January 2026, after being traced to Gauteng.

He was arrested between Leandra and Devon after reportedly hitchhiking to the province.

On New Year’s Day, two men, identified as Siyabonga Fortune Hlapo (25) and Ratile Motloung (24), were fatally shot at a tavern in Embalenhle.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says the suspect was found in possession of a firearm with live ammunition and two magazines at the time of his arrest.

“The serial number of the seized firearm had been filed off, and police believe it may have been used in the murder incident. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in the commission of other crimes, including the recent double murder in Embalenhle on Thursday,” said Mdhluli.

The suspect is facing multiple charges, including the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Police say investigations are ongoing to formally link him to the double murder.

Tavern shootings have once again come under the spotlight in South Africa, with at least two recent incidents in Gauteng alone leaving more than 20 people dead just weeks apart.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Jackie Macie, has welcomed the arrest, stressing that those responsible for such crimes must face the full might of the law.