McKeed Kotlolo

McKeed Kotlolo

An all night drinking session ended tragically when a 22-year-old man, who was allegedly showing off his firearm, allegedly shot and killed a neighbour and drinking partner.

Thabo Kunene, 23, of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, was hit in the stomach by a bullet in the early hours of Saturday morning, police spokesperson Superintendent Abie Khoabane said.

Khoabane said the neighbours were busy drinking at the suspect's home until the tragic incident occurred.

Khoabane said the gunman was allegedly playing with his handgun, "removing and replacing the magazine numerous times".

At about 4am, while still playing with his firearm, "a shot went off, hitting Kunene in the stomach. He was rushed to a Piet Retief hospital but died later," Khoabane said.

He said the suspect had since fled the area and police investigations were continuing.

In another incident at Moloto village, near KwaMhlanga, David Nkwane, in his early 30s, was shot in the chest during an argument with a 28-year-old man at Double Garage Tavern on Saturday night.

Khoabane said the incident occurred at about 10.30pm and the tavern owner allegedly immediately rushed the wounded man to a local clinic but he was certified dead on arrival.

The suspect has been arrested and was due to appear in the KwaMhlanga magistrate's court on a murder charge yesterday.