A 71-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting a 33-year-old man following a dispute over access to water. The incident occurred at approximately 17:00 on Sunday, 08 February 2026, at a shared residence in Eloff, near Delmas.
According to reports, both the suspect and the deceased resided at the same address. Due to persistent water shortages, the property’s landlord had installed a JoJo water tank in the garage for use during municipal supply interruptions. The tank was located on the suspect’s side of the premises.
Authorities state that the confrontation began when the 33-year-old man attempted to enter the garage to activate the pressure pump to draw water. The elderly suspect reportedly refused him entry. It is alleged that the deceased then forced his way to the tap, prompting the suspect to shoot him at close range. The bullet struck the victim in the left eye.
The wife of the deceased attempted to reach her husband but was allegedly threatened by the suspect, who warned that he would shoot her as well. She subsequently fled to her section of the house.
The shooting incited a volatile crowd of more than 100 community members at the scene. The gathered residents became agitated and allegedly threatened to kill the suspect and burn down the house. Police secured the scene and the suspect was immediately taken into custody.
The 71-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, to face a formal charge of murder.