Foreign National Arrested Over Motherwell Mass Shooting That Claimed Five Teenagers’ Lives

Police have arrested a 28-year-old foreign national in connection with the deadly Motherwell mass shooting that claimed the lives of five teenagers in May.

The suspect was taken into custody in Gqeberha on Friday, 5 June 2026, following an intensive investigation led by Eastern Cape detectives. He is expected to appear before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 8 June 2026.

Motherwell Mass Shooting Suspect Tracked Down By Detectives

Eastern Cape police confirmed that the arrest was made after members of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit carried out a tracing operation based on intelligence gathered during their investigation.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the operation began on the evening of Thursday, 4 June, and continued into Friday morning.

“Acting on intelligence gathered during the probe, detectives conducted a tracing operation from the evening of Thursday, 4 June, to the morning of Friday, 5 June, resulting in the successful apprehension of the suspect.”

Motherwell Mass Shooting Left Five Teenagers Dead

The Motherwell mass shooting occurred at approximately 1:33pm on Wednesday, 27 May, at a home in Mnenga Street, NU10. Officers responded to reports of gunfire and arrived at the scene to find five young men suffering from gunshot wounds.

According to Gantana, four victims were discovered inside the lounge area, while another was found in a bedroom. Emergency medical personnel declared three victims dead at the scene.

“Emergency Medical Services declared three victims deceased at the scene. Despite resuscitation efforts, a fourth victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The fifth victim was transported to hospital but later died.”

The deceased were identified as Mpendulo Sjadu (17), Sonwabise Mkhweta (17), Luvuyo Crowly (17), Ibrahim Said (18), and Vuyisani Pinini (18).

Motherwell Mass Shooting Investigation Moves Towards Court Proceedings

The suspect now faces five counts of murder linked to the Motherwell mass shooting. Authorities say the arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata commended the investigative team for their efforts in securing the arrest.

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“This arrest demonstrates the relentless efforts of our detectives to track down those responsible for violent crimes. Their professionalism, persistence, and tireless work have brought us a step closer to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

“We remain committed to removing violent offenders from our communities and ensuring they are brought before the courts,” Gantana said.

Police confirmed that the accused is scheduled to make his first court appearance in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday.