NPA
1Min
South Africa
Nov 3, 2025
A 33-year-old man, Xolani Musawenkosi Xulu, accused of killing five people during a shooting at Qedukuma Tavern in Zithobeni, has abandoned his bail application. Xulu faces five counts of murder and three of attempted murder. The case was postponed to 13 January 2026 for further investigation.
A 33-year-old man accused of killing five people during a tavern shooting in Zithobeni has abandoned his bail application.
Xolani Musawenkosi Xulu from Brentwood Park in Benoni appeared in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court, where he faces five counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
It is alleged that in the early hours of 5 October 2025, at about 3am, Xulu opened fire inside Qedukuma Tavern in Zithobeni, killing five people and injuring three others.
According to witnesses, two men known in the community entered the tavern and demanded that one of the patrons hand over his licensed firearm. A shot was fired, causing panic among the patrons, who fled outside as the suspects allegedly began shooting randomly. The patron carrying the firearm was injured, and his gun was taken.
Following an intensive police investigation, Xulu was arrested on 21 October 2025.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the case was postponed to 13 January 2026 for further investigation and for the Director of Public Prosecutions’ instructions.
