While the search for one of two men suspected of being the masterminds behind the recent deadly mass shooting in Gugulethu continues, local community leaders are at wits end. They are appealing for a speedy resolution of the matter and for justice to be meted out against the perpetrators.
According to police, two men are linked to the gruesome killing of eight people in a shack at Kanana informal settlement in Gugulethu on Sunday 28 June.
One of the suspects is Lungile Anthony Madolo, who reportedly handed himself to the police after his image and his alleged accomplice, Loyiso Matisini, were circulated on social media following the incident.
Madolo is notoriously known for the alleged killing of Guffy.
Dinginto, former Gugulethu CPF deputy chair, in 2023. He was arrested in Graff Reinet, Eastern Cape, during “a joint intelligence-led takedown operation”.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that he was released from custody a few days prior to the Kanana shooting.
Provincial police spokesperson Col Andrew Traut praised the detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. He said their work culminated in the arrest of a 35 year-old suspect.
“While the investigation continues and the search for an additional suspect is underway the arrested individual is currently being processed for his imminent court appearance in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court, following formal charges.
“Officers are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing Loyiso Matinisi who is sought in connection with the case,” said Traut.
Madolo appeared in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday last week 3 July and appeared again yesterday (09 July).
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, described the perpetrators as heartless.
“We want the law to take its course against the perpetrator. We want the officers to ask the perpetrator to tell them where his accomplice is. They both deserve to rot in jail,” he said.
He stated that Gugulethu is becoming a crime zone. He urged law enforcement agencies to squeeze the space for the criminals. He urged the community not to take the law into their hands. “We don’t want to have a situation where people will end up paying revenge because it will affect innocent people. Instead, we need more police visibility to stabilise peace in all sectors of Gugulethu,” he stated.
