The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has welcomed the arrest of five men suspected to be responsible for the murder of seven and attempted murder of five people on 23 October 2021 in Kagiso, Tshepisong, West Rand District.
The police seized a firearm and ammunition as well as one vehicle.
On that fateful afternoon, it was reported that a lone gunman entered a house and shot dead the owner and his girlfriend as well as a neighbour while unknown number of more men joined him in shooting randomly on a busy street as the was a wedding celebration nearby.
Two more people were certified dead on the scene while the other two died in hospital bringing the total of fatalities to seven. Five victims were treated in hospital for gunshot wounds.
On 10 November 2021, a multidisciplinary team comprising of Crime Intelligence, Provincial Investigative Unit, local Detectives, Highway Patrol, Flying Squad and SAPS K9 operationalised intelligence information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects and went to Kagiso, Rietvallei Ext 2 and 3 where the five were apprehended.
The suspects have already been linked to more cases of murder and attempted murder that were committed in and around Kagiso. They have also been linked with activities of illegal mining in the District. They will all be appearing in the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner has commended the team that effected the arrests without any injuries as these suspects were regarded as armed and dangerous. “The hard work of the investigating team that included Crime Intelligence and seasoned Detectives and Operatives, is highly commendable. Now, I have instructed them to ensure that they send a water tight case to court so that these arrested suspects do not get to walk the streets of Gauteng again,” said Lt Gen Mawela who went on to condemn the incidents where multiple murders are committed.
“This particular incident was disheartening as innocent people who were enjoying themselves at the nearby wedding had to be caught up in the random shooting. The killing of any person is not acceptable, let alone seven. I am happy that those suspected to be responsible have been arrested and they will face the full might of the law,” concluded Lt Gen Mawela.
