Nomzamo residents commemorate a year since tavern massacre
In the early hours of 10 July 2022, a group of gunmen indiscriminately opened fire on patrons at the Mdlalose tavern, killing some instantly while at least seven others lived to tell the harrowing tale.
A year since 16 people were gunned down, government and law enforcement authorities vow they are working hard put the killers behind bars.
Last month, six of the eight men charged for the mass shooting were released after the case was provisionally withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
Nomzamo Park residents and affected families gathered under a marquee on the open field opposite the tavern at a commemoration event on Sunday, where Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko was at pains to convince angry and disillusioned residents that authorities would not rest until the matter is back in court.
“We had to explain to the community what does provisionally withdrawn mean. It means the case is not totally closed and police are still investigating the case.
“We were reassuring the communities to say the police are still working flat out to ensure that some of those culprits are brought to book.”
Authorities have pleaded with witnesses and anyone with information to come forward with solid leads that will help bring justice for the victims and survivors of the shooting.
Police are back to square one after charges against the suspects - including a former Hawks official in the North West - were provisionally withdrawn.
With two others still behind bars, they remain adamant they have the right suspects.
Mazibuko reiterated the call for help with the year-long probe.
“They still need to assist the police because once something happens, one way or the other somebody knows who was there or who did what. Sometimes it’s information they might get from somebody sitting in another province, who managed to flee the scene.
“Usually when people are relaxed, they tend to start talking. They sing like birds.”
Most of the victims of the tavern massacre were from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
A chief from Umzimkhulu urged residents and families of the victims not to let their disappointment with the law lead to want to avenge the killings.
Meanwhile, Mazibuko said she would engage her counterpart in the Arts and Culture department to work on building a memorial plaque in honour of the victims.
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