Mpumalanga police have announced a R100 000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and successful conviction of Phumulani Ezekiel Matsane, who is wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of two men at a tavern in Marite on 15 May 2023.
Active manhunt in Calcutta policing precinct
The incident occurred within the Calcutta policing precinct, an area that police say has been hard hit by violent crime this year. The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo, said investigators remain open to links between Matsane and other ongoing investigations.
“At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of his involvement in other similar cases that are under investigation,” said Colonel Mavela Masondo.
Police have urged anyone with information about Matsane’s whereabouts to contact detectives directly. Two contact numbers were provided for tip-offs: Detective Lieutenant Colonel Madala Ndashe on 076 244 8577 and Lieutenant Colonel Freddy Magagula on 082 780 681 5. Authorities emphasised that all information will be handled confidentially and warned the public not to try to apprehend the suspect because he is considered armed and dangerous.
Context: a precinct under pressure
Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise, the provincial SAPS commissioner, said the force is intensifying efforts to reduce crime across the Calcutta precinct, which includes areas such as Mkhuhlu where a number of recent murders have been recorded. Police data supplied in the statement notes that the precinct has recorded 39 gun murders since the start of the year.
The announcement of a financial reward is part of a broader strategy to incentivise community cooperation with investigations into serious violent crimes. Police say the reward is conditional on information leading to both arrest and successful conviction.
- Who is wanted: Phumulani Ezekiel Matsane
- Incident: Shooting that killed two men at a tavern in Marite (15 May 2023)
- Reward offered: R100 000 for information leading to arrest and successful conviction
- Contact numbers: Detective Lt Col Madala Ndashe – 076 244 8577; Lt Col Freddy Magagula – 082 780 681 5
- Precinct statistics: 39 gun murders recorded in Calcutta policing precinct since the start of the year
What residents should know
Police have been clear that members of the public must not attempt to detain or confront the suspect. Given the description of the suspect as armed and dangerous, attempting an arrest could put civilians at risk. Those with information are advised to phone the detectives listed above or to approach the nearest police station to pass on details.
For communities in Marite, Mkhuhlu and neighbouring settlements, the ongoing wave of gun-related killings has heightened fear and concern. Police say they are allocating resources to investigate the killings and to disrupt networks that enable violent crime, but they also rely on local cooperation to provide the leads that help close cases.
Police priorities and public safety
Provincial leadership has said dismantling violent crime patterns in the Calcutta precinct is a priority. The use of a public reward is intended to generate new leads where investigations have stalled or where suspects remain at large.
Anyone with information about the Marite tavern shooting, or who believes they may know the whereabouts of Phumulani Ezekiel Matsane, should use the contact numbers supplied by police. Confidentiality has been promised for informants, and the reward applies only where the information leads to an arrest and to a successful conviction in court.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Phumulani Ezekiel Matsane |
| Incident date | 15 May 2023 |
| Location | Marite tavern (Calcutta policing precinct) |
| Reward | R100 000 |
| Calcutta precinct gun murders (year to date) | 39 |
Police have reiterated a plea for cooperation and vigilance as they continue the investigation. The reward and public appeal are intended to bring closure to the families of the victims and to reduce further violence in the affected communities.
