Arrest made in Saulsville shooting that killed 12, including toddler
Police in Gauteng have arrested a 32-year-old suspect in connection with the deadly shooting at Saulsville Hostel in Atteridgeville
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
Police in Gauteng have arrested a 32-year-old suspect in connection with the deadly shooting at Saulsville Hostel in Atteridgeville, which claimed the lives of 12 people, including a three-year-old child.
According to police, the suspect was apprehended in Limpopo on Sunday following a coordinated operation between Gauteng and Limpopo police. The attack, which took place on December 6 , also left 13 others injured.
"The team, comprising of various SAPS specialised units, including Crime Intelligence, during investigations traced the suspect who was travelling to Botlokwa in Limpopo. They called the police in Limpopo and gave the description of the suspect and the vehicle he was travelling in," the police said.
"The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis".
The police also revealed that the investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing, with the team working tirelessly to track down the remaining two suspects involved in the massacre.
"The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today, 22 December 2025. He is facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He will then be transferred to Gauteng to face the full might of the law. The manhunt for the remaining two suspects is continuing".
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, commended the investigative team for their quick and efficient work.
"We are thankful that one of the suspects has been arrested. We are confident that the remaining two suspects will be arrested so that these perpetrators can answer to the heinous crimes that they have committed,” Lt Gen Mthombeni said.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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