A South African tavern owner has reportedly killed seven people, including a three-year-old child, in a mass shooting in Gauteng Province, before turning the gun on himself.

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, who confirmed the incident, said it happened during the early hours of Sunday, October 13, in the Mokokotlong informal settlement and is being investigated by police in Orange Farms.

Muridili said the incident was stoked after one of the victims went to the local tavern to buy alcohol but he found that it was already closed.

“He (the victim) had an altercation with the tavern owner and went back home. It is alleged that the tavern owner followed him home where the family members were still celebrating after lobola negotiations. The tavern owner entered the house and opened fire on the family members.

“He shot and killed seven people including a three-year-old boy (five family members, a neighbour, and a friend).

“Four people survived the shooting, two of them, a 31-year-old and a one-year-old boy were taken to hospital with injuries while a 24-year-old woman and a four-year-old did not have injuries,” Muridili said.

Muridili said the tavern owner then drove back to his home in Evaton where he then turned the gun on himself and shot himself.

‘He was rushed to the hospital but died on arrival. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has registered seven counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and an inquest,” Muridili said.

Reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, has been appointed Brand Ambassador of Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria, by the state governor, Mr. PeterMbah.

Mbah made the announcement on Thursday during a visit by the South African-born Nigerian model and her father, Okechukwu Onwe, to the Government House in Enugu.

The governor, who praised Adetshina’s resilience after she was controversially withdrawn from a beauty pageant in South Africa as a result of her nationality, highlighted her determination and ability to overcome challenges, describing her as a “true representation of the people of Enugu.”

He emphasized her potential to inspire the youth of the state, especially young girls, with her story of perseverance.

“Your story is inspiring. Despite attempts to malign and discourage you, you demonstrated that you are a true daughter of Enugu State. You overcame those challenges with the grit and resilience the people of Enugu are known for. You can act as a major influence on our young people, especially girls,” the governor said.

He assured the beauty queen of the state’s support as she prepares to represent Nigeria in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year, and encouraged her to use her platform to inspire and mentor young people, particularly by sharing her journey and experiences.

In her response, Chidinma expressed gratitude to the people of Enugu for their warm reception.

“I do feel that my story is a very powerful one, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. A lot of youths can resonate with my story and they can learn from my journey,” she said.

Chidinma, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican-born mother, faced controversy earlier this year during her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant.

Criticism arose over her nationality, leading her to withdraw from the competition after the South African Department of Home Affairs accused her mother of alleged fraud and identity theft. Chidinma denied the allegations, maintaining her innocence.

Following her withdrawal, Chidimma entered the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she emerged as the winner despite criticism and accusations that she was given the crown out of pity.