Polokwane – Members of the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations team have arrested a suspect in connection with the Atteridgeville mass shooting that left 12 people dead and 13 others injured.
The arrest was made in Limpopo province on 21 December 2025.
During the operation, police recovered an unlicensed handgun, believed to have been used in the multiple murders.
The firearm will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis.
“The suspect will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement.
#sapsGP Members of the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigations team arrested one suspect on the Atteridgeville case of 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. The suspect was arrested in Limpopo province on 21 December 2025.
During the arrest, the team… pic.twitter.com/8jhkXSr4If
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 22, 2025
“He will then be transferred to Gauteng to face the full might of the law.”
Police confirmed that the manhunt for the two remaining suspects is ongoing.
The shooting occurred on 6 December 2024, when three suspects opened fire at an illegal shebeen operating from a hostel room in Saulsville. Twelve people were killed and 13 others were injured.
“The investigation team has been working tirelessly to trace the perpetrators,” SAPS added.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the remaining suspects to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
