LWANDLE, Western Cape: A 32-year-old man arrested in connection with the September 27 mass shooting at Kwandelo Shisanyama in Lwandle is also facing charges relating to a separate shooting in the area in July.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Strand Magistrate’s Court today, following his arrest during a tracing operation conducted by the police investigation team at an address in Lwandle on Friday.

According to Western Cape police, he faces 11 counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder arising from the September shooting, along with three additional counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder linked to the July incident. He also faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The September attack took place at approximately 01:15 on Sunday, September 27, when three unidentified gunmen allegedly opened fire on patrons at Kwandelo Shisanyama. Eleven people were killed and another 10 injured.

Police have also linked the suspect to a shooting in Lwandle in July, during which three people were killed and four others wounded. According to the police statement, the victims were playing music in vehicles in the street when two men arrived, opened fire and fled.

During Friday’s arrest, investigators recovered a Norinco firearm and six cartridges, which were seized for further investigation and forensic analysis. Preliminary investigations indicate that the firearm belonged to a deceased individual and had not previously been reported stolen or taken during a robbery.

Ballistics testing and further investigative work are underway to determine whether the recovered firearm was used in the September mass shooting or any other related crimes.

Investigations into both incidents are continuing, with police working to establish the possible involvement of other suspects.

Western Cape police management welcomed the arrest and commended the investigation team for its continued efforts to bring those responsible for the shootings to justice. Police said they remained committed to following all available leads and holding those responsible accountable.

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