BREAKING: One dead after violent incident at Bholotwa tavern

A person has died following a violent incident involving police at a tavern in Bholotwa in the early hours of Sunday morning, 4 October 2026.

The incident happened at Mawethu Tavern after Bholotwa police were called to the premises twice during the night.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said police initially attended the tavern on Saturday, 3 October, following a complaint from the owner that a group of males from the Mtwaku and Siqabeni localities were allegedly preventing patrons from leaving the premises.

According to Mgolodela, police dispersed the group and instructed the tavern owner to close the establishment.

However, at approximately 01:15 on Sunday morning, police were called back to the same tavern after the same group of males allegedly returned.

Police allege that some members of the group were armed with dangerous weapons and were preventing patrons from leaving the tavern while assaulting people who attempted to exit.

Mgolodela said police officers were allegedly attacked with empty beer and brandy bottles when they arrived at the scene.

“Police fired warning shots while the van driver attempted to reverse away from the premises,” Mgolodela said.

During the incident, one person sustained an injury and another person was subsequently declared dead at the scene.

SAPS has not confirmed that the deceased was struck by a police bullet.

“The circumstances surrounding the injury and death are subject to further investigation,” Mgolodela said.

Residents who contacted Komani News following the incident alleged that the deceased was a young man who was shot during the confrontation involving police. Some residents further claimed that the shooting occurred while police were attempting to bring fighting outside the tavern under control.

These allegations have not yet been confirmed by SAPS, and the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death remain under investigation.

The incident has sparked anger among some Bholotwa residents, with community members seeking answers about exactly what happened during the confrontation.

Police have opened an inquest as well as cases of attempted murder and an attack on police.

Komani News will update the story as further verified information becomes available.