A tragic dispute over access to water ended in bloodshed in Mpumalanga on Sunday, 9 February 2026, after a 33-year-old man was shot and killed during an argument with a 71-year-old neighbour. The incident, which unfolded in the Eloff area, has shocked residents and sparked renewed calls for calm and restraint within the community.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the killing and urged residents to allow police to carry out their duties without interference. He appealed for calm, warning that violence and threats against suspects only deepen trauma and undermine the rule of law.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the victim and the alleged shooter were living on the same property and shared access to a JoJo water tank installed by the landlord. The tank was meant to be used during periods when municipal water supply was interrupted, a common challenge in many parts of the province.
The tank, however, is located inside a garage on the suspect’s side of the premises, a detail that appears to have contributed to the deadly confrontation. Police say the deceased allegedly went to the garage to switch on the pressure pump in order to access water. The suspect reportedly refused him entry, leading to a heated exchange between the two men.
Investigators allege that the situation quickly escalated when the deceased forced his way into the garage to reach the tap. At that point, the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and shot him at close range, striking him in the left eye. The victim collapsed at the scene and succumbed to his injuries before he could receive medical assistance.
In a further disturbing turn of events, the victim’s wife reportedly tried to rush to her husband after hearing the gunshot. Police say she was threatened by the suspect, who allegedly warned that he would also shoot her if she came closer. Fearing for her life, she fled back to her side of the house and raised the alarm.
News of the shooting spread quickly, and more than 100 community members soon gathered at the scene. Emotions ran high as residents expressed anger and grief over the killing. According to police, the crowd became extremely agitated and allegedly threatened to kill the suspect and burn down the house. Officers moved swiftly to defuse the situation, and the 71-year-old man was arrested at the scene.
Major General Mkhwanazi praised the police members who intervened, saying their quick action likely prevented further loss of life. He reiterated his call for residents to remain calm and to allow the justice system to take its course.
The suspect is expected to appear in court soon on a charge of murder, while police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident has once again highlighted how everyday disputes, particularly over basic resources like water, can spiral into deadly violence when tempers flare and weapons are involved.
As the Eloff community mourns the loss of a young life, authorities are urging residents to resolve conflicts peacefully and to seek help through lawful channels rather than resorting to violence.
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