- A suspect, reportedly a former ward councillor, handed himself over after four people died in a Katlehong shooting on Tuesday.
- Police have not ruled out a political motive for the Katlehong shooting, and the suspect is due in court Thursday.
A suspect who is reportedly a former ward councillor handed himself over to police after a gunman opened fire on a group returning from a memorial service in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, killing four people.
The suspect has reportedly been linked to at least three political parties. Police have dismissed media reports linking him to another opposition party. He is expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
The shooting happened in Sophangisa Street, Katlehong North, at about 6.50pm on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The group was returning from a memorial service for a political party member at Mogobeng Primary School.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi said the group had been singing in the street when a car approached and someone opened fire. He said the suspect abandoned the car and got into a taxi before handing himself over.
Two young men, aged 21 and 23, died at the scene. Two more victims, aged 23 and 27, later died in hospital. Three others remain in hospital. Reports say two children, aged 11 and 14, were among the injured.
The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team has taken over the investigation. Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder. They have not ruled out a political motive but say they are following all leads and evidence.
Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo and Deputy Justice Minister Andries Nel visited the scene on Tuesday and a family affected by the shooting.
Speaking at the scene, Boshielo said: “The solution is not the gun. It’s sitting down and discussing until you agree or reach compromises.”
Lesufi and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni were also reported to have visited the scene.
