Westbury shooting, police arrest suspects, recover firearms

South African Police Service

Westbury shooting, police arrest suspects, recover firearms
Westbury shooting, police arrest suspects, recover firearms

Four suspects believed to be responsible for a shooting incident that took place in Westbury on 31 December 2022 were arrested on Thursday 5 January 2023 in Westbury after they were found in possession of firearms and a car reported to be stolen in Ennerdale.

The suspects are expected to appear before Johannesburg Magistrate Court on Monday, 9 January 2023.

Police received information that the suspects believed to be involved in the recent Westbury shooting were driving around the area. Members from Anti-Gang Unit, Sophiatown Crime Prevention Unit and Sophiatown Robbery Reaction Unit kept a close observation.

The vehicle driven by the suspects was spotted at the corner of Fuel and Kretzmar Roads and it was stopped.

It was established that the car was reported stolen in Ennerdale last year December.

The suspects led the police to a block of flats in Coronationville where two more suspects were arrested and a firearm with a magazine loaded with twelve live ammunition and drugs were recovered. Further investigation led to the recovery of another firearm with two extended magazines at Fuzier Flats, in Newclare.

All four suspects were arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of drugs. More charges might be added as the suspects are believed to be involved in gangsterism that is rife in Westbury and Eldorado Park.

In a separate incident, police have launched a manhunt for suspects after five people were shot at in Eldorado Park on Thursday, 5 January 2023, at approximately 22:30. It is reported that the victims were inside the flats when the suspect/s shot at them through the window.

Two of the victims were certified dead on the scene while three were taken to the local medical centre for treatment. The motive for the shooting cannot be confirmed at this stage, although it is suspected to be related to gangsterism in the area.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Information can also be given anonymously via MySAPS App which can be downloaded from any smartphone.

SAPS Newsroom

SOURCESouth African Police Service