A 32-year-old man from Lwandle remained in custody after the Strand Magistrates’ Court postponed his case to Friday 20 November. Western Cape National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said the suspect in the Lwandle mass shooting was charged with 14 counts of murder, 12 counts of attempted murder and two counts of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
He said the case had been postponed until Friday 20 November for further investigation.
Minister welcomes arrest
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais, welcomed the arrest of a suspect linked to the mass shooting in Lwandle on Sunday 27 September, which claimed the lives of 11 people, 10 of them at the scene and one who later died, and injured 10 others. She said the suspect was also involved in a separate shooting in which three people were gunned down.
“This arrest is an important breakthrough in the investigation and brings us a step closer to securing justice for the victims and their families. I commend the investigating team for their commitment to pursuing those responsible for this horrific and senseless attack.”
She said the incident again underscored the massive problem of firearms and ammunition in the hands of criminals, enabling them to carry such deadly attacks.
“Investigators must now establish the full circumstances surrounding this tragedy and identify everyone involved. This includes tracing the origins of the firearms and ammunition, and ensuring those who supplied weapons and ammunition to criminals are also held accountable where the evidence supports prosecution. We cannot afford to only focus only on those who pull the trigger while ignoring those who put these weapons in their hands.”
Marais urged the investigating team to build a strong case that leads to convictions. She said those found guilty must face sentences that reflect the severity of their crimes, the lives lost, the harm suffered by survivors and the trauma inflicted on the wider community.
“Nothing can undo the devastation suffered by these families, but we owe them justice. This investigation must leave no stone unturned in ensuring everyone responsible is held accountable.”
Councillor calls for all perpetrators to be held accountable
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso said he welcomed the arrest of the 32-year-old suspect, who was apprehended at Zola in Lwandle on Friday 9 October.
“All we need is justice for all the deceased and those who were injured during the incident. The Lwandle community is still mourning the loss of their loved ones. We want the suspect to tell the court who sent them to kill innocent people. He must also tell us where his accomplices are.” He said the community will never rest until all the perpetrators are arrested.
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