Zimbabwean Illegal Immigrant Arrested in Connection with Soshanguve Mass Murder

A Zimbabwean national, who was in South Africa illegally, has been arrested in connection with the recent mass killing in Soshanguve, Gauteng.

South African Minister of Police, Bheki Mchunu, visited the crime scene on Tuesday, accompanied by his deputy, Cassel Mathale, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Provincial Police Commissioner General Tommy Mthombeni.

Mchunu confirmed that the suspect had no legal documentation to be in South Africa, and authorities are investigating how and when he entered the country. He was also found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Several other individuals are currently being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation into the mass shooting.

The violent incident took place on Saturday, when a community patroller clashed with a group of individuals in the area. The confrontation resulted in four people being shot and partially burned.

Police discovered four bodies with gunshot wounds at 6 AM, while eight others were rushed to the hospital—one of whom later died.

Preliminary investigations indicate that around 3 AM, a group of community patrollers encountered five individuals on the street, leading to the deadly altercation. The motive behind the attack is still under investigation.

On Monday, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed that the murders of five night patrollers were suspected to be linked to a large-scale extortion ring.

Residents in Soshanguve are allegedly forced to pay:

• R50 for security services provided by patrollers

• R50 for access to water

• R350 for electricity

Authorities believe a kingpin, currently in prison, is coordinating the extortion network from behind bars.

“I have detailed information, including about people in prison who are still overseeing activities outside,” Lesufi stated.

Mchunu extended his condolences to the families of the victims and reassured the public that law enforcement is committed to dismantling criminal syndicates operating in the area.

The case has sparked heated discussions in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, as concerns grow over cross-border crime, undocumented migration, and law enforcement challenges.

Authorities have vowed to bring all those involved to justice while addressing the broader issue of illegal immigration and organized crime in South Africa.