Two suspects were arrested yesterday in connection with the gruesome murder of five community patrollers in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

The murders occurred in the early hours on Saturday.

Police were called to the scene and discovered four bodies with gunshot wounds, some of which were partially burnt. A 20-year-old man died of his injuries on Sunday, bringing the total fatalities to five.

Pretoria Rekord reports that, according to police, the two arrested suspects, aged 27 and 50, are allegedly linked to other murders and house robberies that occurred on February 21.

According to Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, police followed up on a tip-off and traced the first suspect to Soshanguve Extension 20.

“On March 24, information was received by members of Tactical Operations Management Section regarding a group of suspects that allegedly committed multiple murders and attempted murders in Soshanguve [Marry Me] informal settlement on March 22.

“Upon arrival, police recovered one firearm, [a] 9mm Girsan, with ammunition, and serial numbers filed off.”

He said police proceeded to the second location in Soshanguve Extension 6, where the second suspect was arrested.

“The suspect was found in possession of [a] 9mm CZ with ammunition, and its serial number also filed off,” said Singo.

He added that the firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if they have been involved in other serious crimes.

Singo said the suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

The duo face charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, during a visit to Marry Me today, said several people were questioned about the incident and several unlicensed firearms were discovered.

“We knew and suspected that it would be someone from around here [Soshanguve].

“We have discovered that [one of] the suspect[s] is an undocumented Zimbabwean national, and he was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm,” said Mchunu.

In Soshanguve today, following the horrific incident which occurred on the 22nd of March 2025, which has since resulted in six deaths. Six individuals are still hospitalised. We will be going to the crime scene and thereafter, offering our condolences to the affected families… pic.twitter.com/6vhQFKfDwD

— Senzo Mchunu (@Senzo_Mchunu_) March 25, 2025

The violent attack at Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve Ext 3 left seven victims fighting for their lives.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, eight additional victims were taken to hospitals in private vehicles and ambulances. However, the 20-year-old man, who had been receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds, died on Sunday.

Muridili said seven victims are still in hospital.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that a group of community patrollers were gathering to continue their patrols when they encountered five individuals in the street.

“A confrontation ensued, leading to the fatal shooting of four people and injuries to eight others,” said Muridili.

She said the motive for the attack remains unclear, and police are working to uncover more details through ongoing investigations.

Mchunu previously condemned the outrageous attack on the community patrollers.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the cold-blooded murders and criminality that took place in Marry Me.

“These unarmed members of the community were committed against crime and improving the safety of their community,” said Mchunu.

He said it was remarkable that they took a stand against crime and that is the right thing to do.

“We commend the swift action of police in initiating a manhunt for those responsible and urge them to be vigilant and thorough in their investigations.

“We will not allow such criminality to undermine the safety of our communities.”

The ministry has called on residents of Marry Me and surrounding areas to work closely with police and provide any information that may have.

“Police are relying on your co-operation to ensure justice is served and those responsible are brought to account.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to visit their nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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