Everson Luhanga
Police investigators have identified the five suspects who carried out the mass shooting at the Mdlalose tavern in Soweto’s Orlando West on Saturday night.
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko told the media on Tuesday that police had footage of the attack which led them to the suspects.
Mazibuko said the five suspects are from Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal.
She addressed the media after attending a prayer session with spiritual leaders and the families of the victims at a local community hall at the School of Photography.
“Not all people sleep at night. When you do your things at night, there is always that other eye watching at your acts,” she warned.
Mazibuko also announced that the death toll of the mass shooting had risen to 16, as one of the victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital. A further eight victims remain in hospital.
She said that only one of the victims will be buried in Gauteng while the rest will be laid to rest in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.
“There are eight more patients in hospital. We pray for their survival,” the MEC concluded.
On Monday, Police Minister Bheki Cele introduced the infamous public order police unit Tactical Response Team (TRT), known famously as Amabarete, to enforce the law.
City of Johannesburg executive mayor Mpho Phalatse said it was concerning that the township has a higher number of taverns than recreational centres.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello could not confirm that the suspects had been identified but said detectives were on the ground investigating the case.
“We are not taking any received tips and information lightly. We work on any information we receive from anyone,” said Colonel Sello.
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela said the motive for the shooting is still unknown and no arrests have been made.
The police have pleaded with anyone who may have information about the shooting incident to contact their nearest police.
He urges people with any information to call Crime Stop Line 08600 10111.
