A late-night snack run turned deadly over the weekend when a 22-year-old woman was fatally shot outside a Bushbuckridge tavern. The victim perished after a purported disagreement with an armed man that rapidly escalated into violence.

The woman and friends had visited the bar only to find it closed on Saturday around 3 AM. While parked and waiting to go buy chips at another shop, authorities said a half-naked suspect emerged and demanded they move along.

“Before they knew it, the man reportedly fired several shots toward their vehicle,” said Constable Walter Mokoena. “Then they quickly left the scene.”

It was only when driving away that the group realized the young passenger was struck and bleeding in the backseat. She was desperately rushed to a nearby hospital but died shortly after arrival.

A 23-year-old alleged shooter was swiftly arrested on murder charges. Investigators have not disclosed a motive but suggested further counts may follow as the ongoing probe continues.

Community leaders expressed outrage at the random brutality cutting another bright life short. “A simple trip for a snack should never end like this,” said resident Thandeka Mathews. “We have to get the guns off our streets.”

The accused killer faces his first court hearing on Monday. Authorities cautioned the loose circumstances mean additional victims or charges are possible as the violent events become fully reconstructed.

Citizens with any information related to the incident are urged to contact Bushbuckridge Police or CrimeStop at 08600-10111.