Sophiatown and metro police have detained five suspects and confiscated four firearms at Westpark Cemetery on March 20, after shots were fired at the funeral of a TikTok star recently murdered in Soweto.

According to Sophiatown Police station commander, Brigadier Alfred Ndebele, officers were stationed at the graveyard during the funeral in the event of gunfire.

Ndebele says shots were allegedly fired at the funeral of recently murdered Soweto TikTok star, Hector Vintos Buthelezi, resulting in the arrests of the suspects and seizing of two illegal firearms, one licensed firearm belonging to a traffic officer and an air gun.

Metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla says, “Due to the nature and situation of the funeral, there was shooting inside the cemetery. Undercover officers observed and identified the perpetrators. When the procession left the cemetery, officers responded to the information received and pursued the identified vehicles.”

Police stopped the vehicles to search them and three firearms were initially recovered. Another firearm belonging to a Gauteng Traffic Police officer was also found by the police.

Ndebele adds, “One traffic officer was arrested for discharging a firearm in a municipal area, with an official firearm.”

This latest arrests follows an arrest made the previous weekend where one suspect was arrested for allegedly firing shots at the funeral of a politically aligned person.

Fihla said, “It is illegal to discharge a firearm in a public place without a lawful reason to do so. Following numerous complaints and meetings regarding shootings at Westpark Cemetery, a promise was made by all relevant stakeholders that this illegal activity will be dealt with accordingly.”

All suspects were detained at Sophiatown Police Station and were expected to appear in court yesterday.

Residents who hear gunshots being fired at the cemetery are advised to report the matter to the police on 08600 10111 or go to the nearest police station and report the crime.

The Metro Police Department can be called on 011 375 5911 and Sophiatown Police Station on 011 670 6300.