A Zimbabwean national has been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting of six community patrollers in Soshanguve’s Marry Me informal settlement, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed during an official visit to the area on Tuesday.
Minister Mchunu shares new details about Soshanguve mass shooting
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 22 March, initially left five dead and eight others injured. One of the wounded later succumbed to injuries in hospital, bringing the death toll to six.
Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Provincial Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni, visited the crime scene and met with the victims’ families.
He confirmed that the suspect arrested was an undocumented foreigner.
“The man arrested is in the country illegally,” Mchunu said.
“We are still investigating how and when he entered South Africa, but it is confirmed that he is an undocumented foreigner.”
Police also recovered an unlicensed firearm from the suspect. Authorities are now questioning several other individuals believed to be connected to the mass shooting.
Mchunu extended his condolences to the bereaved families and acknowledged the severity of the incident.
“We thank the Gauteng Province for their assistance to the bereaved families,” he added.
Details of the attack and ongoing investigation
According to preliminary police reports, the shooting occurred around 03:00 SAST on Saturday when a group of patrollers encountered five unidentified men on the streets of the Marry Me informal settlement in Extension 3. A confrontation ensued, leading to gunfire.
Four people were shot dead at the scene, with some of the victims partially burned. Eight others were injured and rushed to hospital, where one later died from their wounds.
Speculation initially suggested that the attack may have been xenophobic in nature, but authorities dismissed these claims.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili stated that there was no evidence to suggest the incident was motivated by xenophobia.
“We received reports from witnesses that community-based patrollers were gathering to patrol the area. They saw five suspicious men, approached them, and were attacked. Four people were killed and eight others injured,” Muridili said.
In the wake of the incident, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi suggested that the attack may be linked to extortion.
He revealed that in the area, residents pay patrollers R50 for safety, R50 for water, and R350 for electricity. A suspected kingpin, believed to be operating from prison, is alleged to be running the operation.
“I have detailed information, including about people in prison who are still overseeing activities outside,” Lesufi said.
SAPS has since increased patrols in the area and urged residents to come forward with any information that could assist in identifying additional suspects.
