According to the police, five suspects have been arrested for shooting and killing about seven people, and injuring about five in Tshepisong in October. The suspects have reportedly been linked to more murder cases in Kasigo prior to their arrest on Wednesday. Firearms, ammunition, and a vehicle were recovered from the suspects.
On 23 October, the police responded to a shooting incident in Tshepisong Phase 7 in Kagiso. At first, they believed that there were looking for a lone gunman who allegedly entered a house in the area and shot the owner, his girlfriend, and a neighbor.
Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said that the gunman continued to fire random shots as he left the house.
The street was busy on the day because a wedding had just taken place in the area. Two more people were struck and died at the scene and two more died in hospital, bringing the death toll to seven. Five other victims were treated for gunshot wounds at the hospital.
It later emerged that more than one person was responsible for the shooting – it was claimed that a group of young men not known to the Tshepisong community caused the bloodshed.
On Wednesday, 10 November, a multidisciplinary team acted on information about the whereabouts of the suspects and headed to Rietvallei Extension 2 and 3 in Kagiso and arrested five suspects for their alleged involvement in the shooting.
“The suspects have already been linked to more cases of murder and attempted murder that was 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,” Muridili.
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela welcomed the arrest and said he instructed detectives to ensure that they build a watertight case.
“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,” said Mawela.