Police find no organised-crime link to Lwandle mass shooting

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed that the investigation into the Lwandle mass shooting, which left 11 people dead, is still underway and has not yet determined the motive behind the attack. Cachalia stated this in response to parliamentary questions posed by Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, who sought details about the shootings in Lwandle and Wedela, Gauteng.

Following the September incident, where three gunmen allegedly targeted patrons at Kwandelo Shisanyama, a 32-year-old man was apprehended with a firearm and ammunition. He appeared at Strand Magistrate’s Court on October 12, charged with murder, attempted murder, and illegal firearm possession. Gana sought information on the number of suspects arrested and whether police had established any connections to organized crime networks.

Cachalia explained that prior to the Lwandle incident, the SAPS employed an intelligence-led approach in the area, monitoring activities at the affected premises and evaluating compliance and operational risks. Upon receiving intelligence, the police instructed the owner to cease operations the week before the incident. The police subsequently activated a coordinated intelligence-led investigation, leading to the arrest of a suspect.

Cachalia emphasized that the investigation thus far has not uncovered any links to organized criminal networks. To prevent further mass shootings, the police maintain intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting violent-crime networks, enhancing police presence, identifying armed suspects, and mitigating the risk of retaliatory attacks.

In terms of illegal firearm detection and confiscation, Cachalia explained that the police conduct operations at station and district levels, focusing on high-risk crime hotspots, wanted suspects, and compliance inspections. These efforts include stop-and-search activities, firearm tracing, suspect tracking, compliance checks, and executing search warrants when necessary.

The police also engage in dedicated firearm search-and-seizure operations to recover illegal weapons. These measures are applied across all areas, including Lwandle.