Six days after the deadly shooting at KwaNdelu Shisanyama in Lwandle, Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi visited the scene and assured the community that a multidisciplinary team is working around the clock to apprehend the suspects. The team includes Serious and Violent Crime detectives, Crime Intelligence, and other stakeholders. Dyantyi appealed for patience, stating that it was still too early to reveal details that could jeopardize the investigation.
The gunmen opened fire on patrons at the shisanyama during a Heritage Day celebration, killing 10 people and wounding 11. Five people died at the scene, and another five later succumbed to their injuries in medical facilities. The victims were identified as Tatenda Clavah, Siyathemba Jilaji, Khululekani Ndlovu, Avuyile Sikweza, Sivenathi Manxiwa, Abongile Hele, Lahluma Klaas, Okuhle Matibane, Ryan Tanaka Kaserera, and Yonelani July.
Dyantyi confirmed that people are being questioned as part of the investigation, including the owner of KwaNdelu Shisanyama. Police are also investigating possible non-compliance with the Western Cape Liquor Act, as alcohol was allegedly being consumed at a venue that was not licensed as a liquor outlet. The business was registered as a shisanyama rather than a liquor outlet, and investigators are looking at whether structures erected at the premises complied with local government bylaws.
The police are exploring various lines of inquiry, including a possible business rivalry and concerns about patrons bringing their own alcohol to the venue. Dyantyi said that the team is working hard to put the pieces of the puzzle together to solve the case. However, no arrests have been made, and the suspected gunmen remain at large.
The community gathered to remember the victims on Saturday, October 3, 2026, and police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. The police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, clarified that there is no record of an 11th victim dying in hospital, contrary to reports circulating on Sunday.
The investigation is focused on uncovering the motives behind the attack and identifying the suspects. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation. The community is still reeling from the shock of the massacre, and the police are working to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Lwandle shisanyama massacre has raised concerns about safety and security in the area, and the police are working to address these concerns. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are committed to solving the case and bringing the suspects to justice.
Key points
- The police are still searching for the gunmen who killed 10 people and wounded 11 at a shisanyama in Lwandle.
- A multidisciplinary team is working around the clock to apprehend the suspects and investigate the motives behind the attack.
- The police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
