Byline: Levhuwani Matumba
09 February 2026
A 71-year-old man was arrested for murder following a dispute over water in Sundra near Delmas on Sunday, 08 February 2026.
According to information received, the incident occurred at approximately 17h00 at Eloff.
The deceased, a 33-year-old man, and the suspect were residing at the same address.
Due to ongoing water shortages, the landlord had installed a JoJo tank in the garage to be used when municipal water was unavailable. The JoJo tank was situated on the suspect’s side of the premises.
It is alleged that the deceased attempted to enter the garage to switch on the pressure pump to access water. The suspect reportedly refused him entry. The deceased then allegedly forced his way to the tap, at which point the suspect shot him at close range, striking him in the left eye.
The wife of the deceased attempted to enter the area where her husband had been shot, but was threatened by the suspect, who allegedly warned that he would also shoot her. She then fled to her side of the house.
More than 100 community members gathered at the scene and became extremely agitated following the incident. They allegedly threatened to kill the suspect and burn down the house. He was immediately arrested
The suspect is expected to appear at Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, facing a charge of murder.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the incident and urged the community to remain calm and allow the police to carry out their duties.
