Four people were killed and eight others wounded in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, during an altercation between community patrollers and a group of men on the streets of the Marry Me informal settlement in Extension 3.
SAPS provides details about Soshanguve mass shooting
The deadly exchange, which took place early in the morning, prompted a swift response from police, who confirmed that preliminary investigations show no link to xenophobic violence.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, community patrollers had gathered to begin their routine safety watch when they noticed five unknown men behaving suspiciously.
As the patrollers approached the group, a confrontation broke out.
The group allegedly opened fire on the patrollers, resulting in a shootout that left four people dead at the scene. Some of the victims were found partially burnt.
Muridili said:
“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.”
She confirmed that one of the injured individuals remains in critical condition in hospital.
In the aftermath, speculation had grown that the attack was linked to xenophobic tensions that had previously flared up in parts of Gauteng.
However, Muridili refuted this, stating:
“At this stage we do not know the motive behind the attack. That will be part of the investigation. There are no elements of xenophobia as per our preliminary findings.”
All victims were identified as South African nationals.
The injured were transported to nearby hospitals using both private vehicles and an ambulance. Police have not yet made any arrests, but investigations are ongoing.
SAPS has increased patrols in the area and appealed to residents to come forward with any information that could help trace the suspects.
