By Mashamba Media
news@alexreporter.co.za
A male suspect, identified as Samkelo Gregory Mngcina (24) appeared at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on the 23rd July 2024, in connection with the fatal shooting of a TVET student, who was 23-year-old.
The fatal shooting incident occurred on Saturday, 20 July 2024 at a TVET college premises in Barberton around 00h45 am during an event at the college.
According to allegations, the suspect was denied access to the said event arranged for students.
It is said that he went to a vehicle and when he returned, things turned ugly.
“It was during this period when he reportedly took out a firearm and began randomly shooting, resulting in three sustaining some injuries. Unfortunately one of the victims succumbed to his injuries whilst the other two were taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“A murder case with two counts of attempted murder was opened and police immediately commenced with the investigation which led to the arrest of the suspect on the same day of the incident around 16h00 in Barberton, outside Nelspruit hence his court appearance,” said Colonel Donald Mdhluli.
Mdhluli said the case was postponed to 31 July 2024 for a formal bail application, and the suspect remains in custody.
Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the shooting incident and reiterated the concern about the proliferation of firearms which are often used in the commission of crime like in this instance.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident, which occurred at a place meant for teaching and learning. The SAPS will work tirelessly in the investigation to ensure that justice is served for the slain victim,” said Mkwanazi.
