Three suspects linked to the deadly mass shooting along the R59 that claimed the lives of six people, leaving 18 injured, are due back at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on March 3 and 10 for their bail application.
The three made a brief appearance at the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on February 20, before the case was postponed. They face six counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, carjacking, and possession of a hijacked vehicle.
The suspects were arrested by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team at Valley Settlement in Kliprivier after they ambushed a taxi transporting passengers from Johannesburg to Lesotho.
During his visit to the district recently, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni revealed that with the help of the community, police recovered AK-47 rifles linked to the shooting.
Mthombeni confirmed that the discovery followed a tip-off from a community member who contacted the police with information about where the firearms had been hidden.
Mthombeni said that although the investigation remains ongoing, the recovery of the firearms marks significant progress and strengthens the case. He stated that one of the firearms is licensed and is linked to one of the arrested suspects.
Using this as an example, Mthombeni reiterated the importance of the community working together with the police and law enforcement to combat crime.
The suspects remain behind bars while investigations into the matter continue.
