Pretoria tavern shooting: Six-year-old among 3 injured

Pretoria tavern shooting: Six-year-old among 3 injured! A shooting incident at the Eastwood Tavern in Pretoria on the evening of Sunday, December 15, left two men and a six-year-old child injured. All three victims were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.

Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that a suspect, a security guard allegedly involved in the altercation, has been arrested and will face charges of attempted murder.

Details of the Incident

The shooting occurred at approximately 7:00 PM, shortly after a group of football supporters arrived at the tavern’s parking lot. The group, traveling in two Toyota Quantums, had attended a CAF Champions League match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium earlier in the day.

According to Masondo, the group was reportedly playing loud music from one of their vehicles when they were approached by an on-duty security guard armed with a rifle. The guard allegedly ordered them to turn down the music, which led to an escalating confrontation.

Altercation and Shooting

Masondo explained that the situation turned physical after the security guard used pepper spray on some of the individuals. “A scuffle ensued,” he said, adding that the security guard, feeling under threat, responded by firing multiple shots.

The shots struck:

• One man in the right thigh
• Another man in the right leg
• A six-year-old child, who was seated inside one of the Quantums, in the left arm.

All three victims were transported to the hospital, where they received medical treatment for their injuries.

Police Action and Arrest

Local police responded promptly to the scene and apprehended the security guard. Masondo confirmed that the suspect has been charged with attempted murder and is expected to appear in the Pretoria Central Magistrate’s Court.

Community Shock and Concern

The incident has left the community shocked, particularly because a child was among the injured. The presence of firearms in disputes such as this one has drawn criticism from residents and raised concerns about security practices at public venues.

“It’s deeply troubling that a minor was caught in the crossfire,” said a local resident. “Disputes over something as simple as loud music should never escalate to gun violence.”

Ongoing Investigation

Police have launched a full investigation into the shooting. Authorities are examining the actions of the security guard and the circumstances that led to the altercation.

A key aspect of the investigation will focus on whether the use of a firearm by the security guard was justified or excessive under the circumstances. Officials have also emphasized the need to determine if proper protocols for de-escalating conflicts were followed.

Calls for Responsible Behavior

The incident highlights ongoing challenges related to gun violence and conflict resolution in South Africa. Community leaders and organizations have urged both security personnel and the public to prioritize peaceful interactions and avoid unnecessary escalation.

Security experts have also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of training for guards in conflict de-escalation and the use of non-lethal measures before resorting to firearms.

Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities have reiterated the importance of reporting disturbances and seeking police intervention in situations that might turn violent.

Next Steps

The suspect’s court appearance will provide further insight into the legal proceedings and charges he faces. Meanwhile, updates on the condition of the injured individuals, particularly the child, are awaited.

This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of promoting non-violent conflict resolution and ensuring the responsible use of firearms in public and professional settings. As investigations continue, the community hopes for justice and stricter measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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South African singer Naledi Aphiwe could hardly contain her excitement after meeting her idol, American rapper and R&B star Chris Brown, during his sold-out performance at the FNB Stadium on Sunday, 15 December.

The moment marked a milestone in Naledi’s career and personal life, coinciding with her birthday. Naledi, who has long admired Chris Brown and referred to him as her “industry father,” celebrated her birthday in the most unforgettable way—by finally meeting the global superstar. Read More

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