Soshanguve Killing: 4 More Suspects Arrested For New Year's Day Tragedy

South African Police Service (SAPS) said Monday that four more suspects have been arrested for the killing in Soshanguve that claimed four lives, including a teenager, on Jan. 1.

The authorities revealed that the suspects - including three males and one female - were arrested over the weekend (Jan. 6) from different areas around Pretoria. The officials seized an AK-47 and two pistols from the suspects.

"The suspects will appear in the Soshanguve Magistrate's court on Tuesday 9 January 2024 on charges of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm," SAPS said, SA News reported.

The arrests were made during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Hawks' Serious Organized Crime Investigation team and the Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS).

With these latest arrests, the total number of individuals connected to the incident who have been taken into custody has risen to six. Two suspects named Sipho Kgomo and Tshepo Mosemeni were previously apprehended and are also expected to appear in court on Friday.

The incident occurred on New Year's Day, resulting in the deaths of four individuals: 14-year-old Vuyolethu Ziwele, Phomolo Malakapatlo, 28, Constable Mpho Kgobotlo, 29, and Thandi Dlamini, 33. These people were shot dead.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi previously said that the suspects were armed with bulletproof vests and rifles, noting that 80 empty rifle cartridges and 19 cartridges from a 9mm firearm were found at the crime scene.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed at that time two suspects were arrested before visiting the families of the victims. Speaking to the media, the premier praised the officials for coming up with the results quickly.

"After being alerted of the incident, I encouraged the provincial police to deploy all the resources we have as the state," he said, IOL reported. "I have also implored police to leave no stone unturned, get to the bottom of what transpired, and ensure that everyone involved in this case is arrested."

Soshanguve township has been grappling with a surge in crime in recent years, primarily due to gang wars over drug sales. Additionally, these gangs extort protection fees from local business owners.

Lesufi acknowledged the high level of criminal activity in the area, noting that there are currently 331 active cases.