A swift investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect linked to a brutal shooting and attempted robbery that occurred late Friday night.
The incident
The violence unfolded at approximately 22:00 on Friday, 03 April 2026, near the Bayland bus depot. According to police reports, a man was walking in the area when he spotted three males – two of whom he recognised – allegedly robbing other people. The situation turned life-threatening when one of the suspects confronted the man, pointed a firearm at him, and ordered him to approach. When the victim hesitated, the suspects threatened to open fire.
As the victim attempted to flee, the suspects discharged their weapons. The man sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, shoulder, and face. In a desperate act of self-defense, the victim managed to stab one of the assailants before escaping. The suspects subsequently fled the scene in a navy Chevrolet vehicle.
The investigation and arrest
Despite his severe injuries, the victim managed to report the crime at the SAPS Kwadwesi Community Service Centre before seeking medical treatment. The Motherwell Cluster Trio Task Team immediately launched an intensive investigation, conducting interviews with various persons of interest. This led to the gathering of positive information which was quickly operationalised.
At approximately 01:00 on Saturday, 04 April 2026, the task team tracked and arrested the suspect in Joe Slovo. At the time of his apprehension, the suspect was found in possession of an unlicensed Norinco Star pistol. The firearm, which featured an empty magazine and a filed-off serial number, was confiscated for further forensic investigation.
Legal proceedings and ongoing enquiries
The suspect currently faces charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. However, the scope of the investigation is expanding as SAPS works to determine possible linkages between the suspect and other murder or house robbery cases reported within the Motherwell policing cluster.
The suspect is expected to make his first appearance in the New Brighton Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 07 April 2026. Authorities confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing as they seek to bring the remaining accomplices to justice.