SAULSVILLE (CONVERSEER) – National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola who visited the Atteridgeville Police Station confirmed that authorities have identified the suspect responsible for the deadly Saulsville mass shooting that happened on Sunday.
Reports indicate that one of the alleged shooters had been released on parole in September.
12 people were killed and a total of 25 were shot during the incident.
Speaking to the media, Masemola said that this was the third mass shooting to take place in Gauteng.
“We gather this afternoon, at the crime scene where twelve people lost their lives and thirteen others are still in hospital receiving medical treatment. Three suspects are still at large, but our detectives and uniformed police are working around the clock to find these killers,” he said.
Masemola said that in the Atteridgeville police station precinct, they have shutdown 101 illegal and unlicensed shebeens and taverns.
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In Gauteng alone, from 01 April to date, they have inspected a total of 41 366 liquor premises and out of that, a total of 2906 unlicensed liquor premises were shutdown.
“Mass shootings are a problem at these illegal establishments in Gauteng, from July 2025, this is the third incident of such a nature. In July in Olivenhoutbosch, where six people were killed, the shebeen owner was arrested for operating illegally in liquor and one suspect has since been identified, this suspect is currently arrested and detained in Lesotho on a separate murder case. The SAPS is currently engaging INTERPOL in both countries.
“In Bronkhorstpruit where five people were killed at Zithobeni tavern, two people have since been arrested and are still in custody. We will continue to intensify our operations and request the cooperation of communities in making this festive season safe,” he said.
Masemola further revealed that three people of interest have been identified in the murder of Marius Van Der Merwe who was the former Ekurhuleni Metro Municipality official who was.gunned down.
(MDN)
