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2 months ago
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Ballistics tests have linked a seized firearm to the Atteridgeville mass shooting in Saulsville that left 12 dead and 13 injured.
- Ballistics tests have linked a seized firearm to the Atteridgeville mass shooting in Saulsville that left 12 dead and 13 injured.
- The accused abandoned his bail application and will remain in custody.
- Two more suspects remain on the run.
A firearm seized during the arrest of a man in Limpopo has been positively linked to the deadly mass shooting in Saulsville that claimed the lives of 12 people, including three children, and left 13 others injured.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said ballistic testing had connected the firearm to the crime scene at an illegal tavern in Saulsville, west of Pretoria.
Mathe said the man was arrested last week in Polokwane during a joint operation involving Gauteng and Limpopo police. He was allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He cannot be named at this stage as police are still finalising an identity parade.
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“The accused in the Saulsville matter has appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on a charge of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The accused abandoned his bail application, and the matter has been postponed to 19 February 2026, and he is remanded in custody until then,” Mathe said.
She added that the accused is expected to appear again on Wednesday before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, where he will face 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder.
#sapsHQ The National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola applauds the multidisciplinary team investigating the Atteridgeville mass shooting which left twelve people dead and thirteen others wounded for registering another breakthrough.
Last week, a joint operation… pic.twitter.com/QXZwslEtCE
The mass shooting occurred in the early hours of 6 December when gunmen stormed an illegal tavern at a hostel in Saulsville, Atteridgeville, and opened fire on patrons. Twelve people were killed at the scene, and 13 others wounded.
“A manhunt is still under way for the two suspects who are still on the run,” Mathe said.
