BLOEMFONTEIN – The owner of By Hoek Lounge Tumelo Phiri was murdered while closing his outlet this morning at about 01:05. According to reports a fight broke out at the lounge earlier and the 45-year-old businessman intervened only to be threatened by the suspect that he is coming back for him.

It is alleged that Phiri was busy closing the outlet when the suspect approached him and shot him several times. One bystander was hit by the bullet on the hand.

The police at Mangaung were called to the scene and the hunt for the suspect ensued. The 30-year-old male was traced and arrested in Mafora, Mangaung. Two (2) other suspects aged 26 and 33 were arrested as accomplices to the murder incident.

A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at Mangaung Police Station. Charges of defeating the ends of justice and violation of the Immigration Act were added. All three suspects are foreign nationals.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Tuesday 7 February 2023.

Source: South African Police Service