The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Bushbuckridge has launched a manhunt after an attempted murder incident at a tavern in Mandela Village on Tuesday evening, 14 October 2025.

According to police, a 39-year-old man was seated with a friend, watching television, when the suspect, known to him, approached and asked for a beer. The victim reportedly told the man that he had no money to buy him a drink. The suspect then became aggressive, insulted the victim, and allegedly produced a firearm before shooting him in the left leg.

Shockingly, after the shooting, the suspect is said to have apologised, claiming it was a mistake, before fleeing the scene. Although his identity is known to the authorities, efforts to arrest him have so far been unsuccessful.

The case is being investigated by Warrant Officer Busisiwe Dlamini, who appealed to anyone with information to contact her on 082 056 9507.