Theatregoer kills one‚ wounds seven after claiming cellphone theft

A man grabbed a microphone‚ announced a thief had stolen his phone - then opened fire on the audience at the Hillbrow Theatre in Johannesburg.

Confirming the incident‚ management said the shooting happened in the early hours of Sunday morning.

“The management and staff of the Theatre are in shock and deeply saddened by the unforeseeable and traumatic act of violence in our theatre”‚ said Gerard Bester Director of the Theatre. “Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the deceased and heartfelt sympathy to all those who were injured and traumatised by this event .

The Hillbrow Theatre Management had rented the theatre space to an independent producer for a music event on the 26th August 2017.

"During the performance an audience member jumped onto the stage‚ took the microphone and announced that his cell phone had been stolen. He then pulled out a gun and started randomly firing at the artists on stage and into the audience. One person was killed and artists and audience members were injured in the shooting."

Bester said: “Additional security is hired for all events at the Hillbrow Theatre‚ which is also stipulated in the contract for external companies hiring the venue. The Hillbrow Theatre remains committed to providing a safe space for the community it services."

"The incident is being handled by the Hillbrow Police Station.”