Police in South Africa have arrested a suspect in connection with the killing of 17 people at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville. The arrest was confirmed by Gauteng police commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni, who stated that the suspect was apprehended in Tzaneen, Limpopo. The suspect is linked to the mass shooting that occurred on Saturday night, and police are continuing their search for eight other gunmen believed to have been involved.
The shooting at the tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, resulted in the deaths of 17 people, including 13 men and four women. A further 15 people suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment. Police have opened 17 murder cases, 15 counts of attempted murder, and two counts of malicious damage to property. The motive for the shooting has not yet been established, and police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
According to police, the suspects arrived at the tavern on Saturday night and opened fire on patrons. The gunmen were armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols and allegedly first opened fire on people outside the tavern before entering the premises and continuing to shoot. They also allegedly searched some patrons and took their cellphones before fleeing in two unidentified vehicles.
The arrest of the suspect comes as police intensify the manhunt for those responsible for one of the deadliest tavern shootings in the country in recent years. General Mthombeni stated that a multidisciplinary team comprising detectives and other specialised police units is continuing with the investigation and efforts to locate the remaining suspects.
The Wedela attack was followed hours later by a separate shooting at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, Cape Town, where 10 people were killed and 11 wounded. The investigation into the Wedela shooting remains ongoing, and police are working to establish a motive for the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of gun violence in South Africa.
The police have confirmed that blood stains were among the evidence gathered by investigators and are part of the case against the arrested suspect. The suspect's identity has not been released, and police are continuing to question him in connection with the attack. The community in Wedela and surrounding areas remains on high alert as police work to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, and authorities have promised to take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. The government has also offered support to the families of the victims and those affected by the shooting. Key points:
Key points
- One suspect arrested in connection with the Carletonville tavern shooting
- 17 people killed and 15 injured in the shooting
- Police continuing to search for eight other suspects believed to have been involved in the attack
