Ballistics evidence connected a confiscated firearm to the fatal Saulsville Hostel mass shooting in Atteridgeville, which resulted in 12 fatalities and 13 injuries. Police have confirmed a significant development in the investigation.
The development comes after Gauteng and Limpopo police conducted a joint operation in Polokwane, Limpopo, last week that resulted in the arrest of one of three people of interest.
Officers discovered a gun and multiple rounds of ammunition in the suspect's possession during the arrest; these items have since been positively connected to the crime scene.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said ballistics analysis confirmed that the firearm recovered during the suspect’s arrest was used in the Atteridgeville mass shooting.
“Following ballistics testing, police can now confirm that the firearm seized during the arrest of this suspect has been positively linked to the crime scene in Atteridgeville,” Mathe said.
She added that the suspect has already appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, where he abandoned his bail application.
“The accused abandoned his bail application and the matter was postponed to 19 February 2026. He has been remanded in custody until then,” she said.
Mathe further confirmed that the accused will appear again on December 31 before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, where he faces 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder.
Police said a manhunt is still underway for the two remaining suspects who are believed to be on the run.
National SAPS Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the multidisciplinary team for the breakthrough, describing it as a critical step towards justice for the victims of the mass shooting.
The Star