Bekkersdal Mass Shooting: Police Arrest 11 Suspects And Seize AK-47 In Gauteng Crackdown

Police in Gauteng have arrested 11 suspects believed to be connected to the deadly mass shooting in Bekkersdal that left 10 people dead. The arrests form part of an intensified operation following information provided by community members.

Acting Gauteng provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana confirmed that several firearms were recovered during the operation, including an AK-47 rifle and multiple pistols.

“We indicated on Sunday morning that teams were on the ground following up on information provided by the community, and we appeal to residents to continue working with the police,” Kekana said on Wednesday afternoon.

Bekkersdal Mass Shooting Arrests Follow Intelligence-Led Police Operation

Kekana explained that intelligence pointed to two individuals as possible suspects. Acting on this information, police joined forces with security personnel at the Sibanye Stillwater mine during an early-morning operation.

“This morning, security at the Sibanye Stillwater mine engaged in an operation, which police joined. Crime intelligence, our technical response team, public order policing, and local and western district teams were all involved,” he said.

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Officers intercepted a specific house linked to one of the suspects. “We intercepted a specific house where one of the two possible suspects was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle. At the same house, nine other suspects were arrested in possession of four pistols,” Kekana said.

The house belongs to the mine, and the employee allocated to the property was also taken into custody. “The house belonged to a mine, and the mine employee allocated to the house was also arrested. The first charge he will face is harbouring undocumented persons,” he added.

Fraudulent Liquor Licence Linked to Bekkersdal Tavern Shooting

Police have also confirmed that the operating licence presented by the owner of Kwa-Noxolo Tavern, where the shooting took place, was fraudulent.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Kekana said the tavern owner would be arrested without delay. “On the day in question, we checked the licence and took copies of the IDs. We then went to the Liquor Board for full verification. A report has now confirmed that the licence is fraudulent,” he said.

Gauteng Government Condemns Rising Mass Shootings

The Gauteng provincial government has strongly condemned the Bekkersdal shooting. Acting Premier Jacob Mamabolo extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“Our hearts are heavy, and we convey our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. We also wish a full and speedy recovery to those who are injured,” Mamabolo said.

He warned of what he described as a disturbing rise in mass shootings across the province, noting that the Bekkersdal tragedy followed another recent incident at the Saulsville Hostel in Pretoria, where 11 people were killed and 14 others injured.

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