Fear grips locals after robbers storm tavern, shooting 5

A community is reeling in shock after a robbery at a popular local tavern in Meadowlands, Soweto, over the weekend left five people injured and several others traumatised.

- Thando Nondywana

The incident occurred at around 9.30pm at Ka Star tavern, owned by local businessman Lawrence Khumalo. According to Khumalo, he was alerted by his frightened wife, who called him frantically after gunfire rang out outside the premises.

"She was terrified, saying there were gunshots outside. When I got there, I found blood everywhere and bodies lying on the ground leading up to the gate. Three people had been shot outside the yard and two more inside the tavern," he said.

According to Khumalo, the attack was carried out by four armed men who disguised themselves as customers who wanted to buy alcohol. Then they pulled out guns and ordered the cashier to open the till.

He said two suspects entered the tavern while the other two kept watch outside.