Police arrest 11 suspects linked to Bekkersdal mass shooting

Acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana has confirmed that police have arrested 11 suspects believed to be linked to the Bekkersdal mass shooting.

The suspects were found in possession of multiple firearms, including an AK-47 rifle.

“We indicated on Sunday morning that teams were on the ground following up on information provided by the community, and we appeal to residents to continue working with the police,” Kekana said on Wednesday afternoon.

“Among the information, two individuals were identified as possible suspects.

“This morning, security at the Sibanye Stillwater mine engaged in an operation, which police joined. Crime intelligence, our technical response team, public order policing, and local and western district teams were all involved. This followed intelligence gathered on the two possible suspects and ongoing operations against illegal mining.

“We intercepted a specific house where one of the two possible suspects was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle. At the same house, nine other suspects were arrested in possession of four pistols. The house belonged to a mine, and the mine employee allocated to the house was also arrested. The first charge he will face is harbouring undocumented persons.”

Police previously established that the operating licence presented by the owner of Kwa-Noxolo Tavern, where the mass shooting claimed 10 lives on Sunday, was fraudulent.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Kekana said the tavern owner would be arrested immediately. 

“On the day in question, we checked the licence and took copies of the IDs. We then went to the Liquor Board for full verification. A report has now confirmed that the licence is fraudulent,” he said.

The Gauteng provincial government has condemned the shooting. Acting Premier Jacob Mamabolo extended his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, while wishing the injured a swift recovery.

“Our hearts are heavy, and we convey our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who are injured,” Mamabolo said.

He expressed concern over what he described as a troubling escalation of mass shootings in Gauteng, noting that the Bekkersdal attack occurred just weeks after another incident at the Saulsville Hostel in Pretoria, where 11 people were killed and 14 injured.

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