Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a deadly shooting that took place in the early hours of Sunday at Barbs Industrial Cafe in Barberton.
UPDATE: The third victim of the shooting was pronounced dead shortly after this article was published.
Barbs Industrial Cafe shooting: Here’s what we know
According to early reports, the attack was not random and appears to be tied to ongoing conflicts between rival groups involved in illegal gold mining activities in the area.
The incident occurred during an event held to celebrate the fourth annual Wimbledon gathering. Among those targeted was the event organiser, who also owned a tavern in the nearby Emjindini Trust community.
He was killed on the scene, along with one of his associates. A third person was injured and is currently recovering in hospital.
According to a local source who spoke in anonymity,
“The suspects knew who they were looking for. This wasn’t just random violence. They aimed at specific people.”
The identity of the suspects remains unknown, and police are still searching for them.
Police spokespersons have not yet confirmed the motive, but residents say this is just the latest in a series of violent incidents linked to illegal gold mining in the Barberton region.
In March 2025, the provincial police minister visited the area for a community meeting, or “imbizo”, where locals raised serious concerns about rising crime levels, particularly the use of unlicensed firearms and frequent shootings.
While authorities acknowledged those concerns at the time, residents say little has changed.
“We see the police, yes, but nothing has really been done to stop the killings,” one community member shared.
It’s understood that Barbs Industrial Cafe had been closed previously following a past shooting that resulted in the death of former ANC council member Mandla Mamba.
The venue had just reopened for this specific event on Saturday when the shooting happened around 03:00, on Sunday.
Police have said they will release a formal statement later today, as the investigation continues.
Sources close to the investigation believe that two rival gangs have been clashing over control of gold-rich land, using violence to assert dominance in areas where illegal mining is rampant.
Residents remain on edge as they wait for answers and increased security in their community.
