Five patrons of a tavern in Freedom Park, Eldorado Park, have been murdered by unknown suspects, prompting the police to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators on Wednesday.

In a statement, the police said they have mobilised “maximum resources to trace and arrest about three suspects following the murders”.

“It is alleged three armed suspects, wearing balaclavas, forced entry and stormed into Intaba Tavern, also known as Jabu’s Tavern, near Parkway Drive in Freedom Park, and assaulted and robbed the 53-year-old tavern owner of an undisclosed amount of cash and his cellphone,” police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said.

The suspects then allegedly fired random shots, fatally wounding five male victims.

They were all declared dead on the scene.

Two others were rushed to hospital and discharged the next day after receiving medical treatment.

“Police officers who were patrolling the area escaped unharmed after random shots were also fired in their direction. A police vehicle was damaged as a result of the shooting,” Peters said.

A video purporting to show the incident has been circulating on social media. It was captured shortly after the shooting.

“The person who filmed the incident is called upon to contact the police as any piece of information could add value to the investigation,” Peters added.

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela condemned the incident and vowed to increase visibility around places of entertainment during the festive period.

“Investigators must also work around the clock to ensure that the suspects are found and arrested,” Mawela said.

Two medical doctors, who were arrested for culpable homicide earlier on Tuesday, have been released on bail and their case has been postponed.

Doctors Peter Beale and Abdullhay Munshi appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court hours after their arrest.

The two allegedly performed botched surgeries on minor children, resulting in the death of some.

During the appearance before Magistrate Lucas van der Schyff, the two doctors looked puzzled and court orderlies ordered them to face the magistrate instead of the public gallery.

The two were each granted R10 000 bail under strict conditions. Munshi, who is bound for Dubai later this month, was ordered to surrender his passport when he returns next month.

READ | HPCSA to determine the ‘magnitude’ of claims against paediatric surgeon Dr Peter Beale

Beale was ordered to not leave Gauteng without informing the court or the investigating officer. He was also ordered to immediately surrender his passport.

The two accused were also ordered to not interact with personnel at Netcare and or directly or indirectly contact witnesses and complainants.

The doctors are expected back in court on March 31 next year.

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