Police recover firearm linked to DJ Christmas Eve murder in Masoyi, two suspects arrested
Two suspects aged 21 and 28 were arrested in Masoyi on Thursday after police recovered a firearm linked to the fatal Christmas Eve shooting of a DJ at a local tavern.
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Police said two people have been arrested in connection with a firearm allegedly linked to the murder of a DJ at a tavern in Masoyi, Mpumalanga.
The DJ was allegedly shot by the patron on Christmas Eve, before turning the firearm on himself.
Police said one suspect faces a charge of defeating the ends of justice, while the other is charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Police said the serial number of the recovered firearm has been filed off.
"The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was previously used in the commission of a crime elsewhere.”
IOL previously reported that the incident occurred at about 11.30 pm on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at a tavern in Mganduzweni Trust, Masoyi, near White River.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said members attached to the Masoyi SAPS were conducting routine patrols along the R538 as part of the 2025/2026 Operation Festive Season when they noticed a group of people leaving the tavern and stopped to investigate.
“The lifeless bodies of two male persons were found with injuries,” Mdhluli said. Emergency medical personnel were summoned to the scene and both men were declared dead.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the incident unfolded after the DJ stopped playing music and began packing his equipment as the tavern was closing.
Police said patrons allegedly insisted that he continue playing because it was Christmas. Despite the DJ explaining that it was time to close, tensions reportedly escalated, and a 28-year-old patron allegedly produced a firearm, shot the DJ and then turned the gun on himself.
At the time, police opened a case of murder and an inquest, and confirmed that the firearm used in the incident had not been recovered. Police also confirmed that the tavern is licensed.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a senseless act of violence.
“The increase in shooting incidents within liquor premises is alarming and detrimental to our society,” Mkhwanazi said. He called for a thorough investigation into how a firearm was able to enter the premises, noting that dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited in liquor establishments.
“It is very crucial that tavern owners take their responsibility to ensure safety of their patrons and employees. Failure to comply with safety regulations goes with legal consequences for the owners. A life has been lost here, and we cannot allow such tragic incident without consequences,” he said.
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