Picture: The Meat Brothers Pub
By OBAKENG MAJE
The Meat Brothers Pub in Taung has opened its doors again to the public, exactly 40 days after the mayhem. The most popular joint was shut down after the local businessman and its former owner, Tshwaro Mangwegape, allegedly shot and killed the NWU Soccer Institute player, Undivile “Vilo” Mdi (28), and also injured his childhood friend, Aobakwe Ernest Kokwe (33) in a scuffle on 17 December 2023.
Mdi and Kokwe were among the patrons, who visited The Meat Brothers Pub which was fully packed. According to information, Mdi and Kokwe were part of the group that allegedly misbehaved and gained access forcefully into the joint. Mangwegape was allegedly called and a fight ensued.
He allegedly pulled out a gun and shot at them. Mdi was fatally shot and his friend was rushed to the hospital with terrible gunshot wounds.
The management of Meat Brothers Pub said in a statement: “In light of the recent event that took place at our establishment, we had to keep the gates closed not only because relevant authorities needed to conduct their investigations, but also to give the bereaved and affected families time to deal due to their loss.
“As everyone knows this is an ongoing investigation, we are therefore limited in our comments regarding the incident. We hope that everyone will allow the law to take its course, with that being said, we are in the process of deciding the way forward.” it reads.
It says in the meantime, they will be opening as soon as new management has taken over. Final preparations are being made and further information will be provided on their socials.
However, this has caused an outcry from some sections of society. One of the community leaders in Manokwane village, which is Mdi and Kokwe’s hometown, Kgakololo Koji said those who are planning to open The Meat Brothers Pub are daydreaming. Koji further said they will never allow that to happen until justice prevails.
“Anyone who dares to open The Meat Brothers Pub will be in for it. For now, we have agreed as the community not to vandalise that place, so that it can be safe. We want the owner to answer for his actions and we are sure that, The Meat Brothers Pub will never open its doors again.
“Lastly, we have also written to the North West Liquor Board to officially evoke the license of that pub. So, we have given the North West Liquor Board seven days to respond to our demand. So, we do not know who will open it and how are they going to do it,” he said.
Koji agreed that many people were previously killed in various taverns across Taung, but there was never a boycott. However, he said it was because those people were not killed by the owners of those taverns.
“Yes, it is true that many killings took place in various taverns across Taung. However, the difference is that those who died were not killed by tavern owners. If Mdi was killed by a patron like him, we would not have any problem, but wait for the law to take its course.
“So, we are against the opening of The Meat Brothers Pub because the owner is the one who allegedly brutally took his life,” he added.
The Guardian 