GUGS SUSPECT TO APPEAR IN COURT

ONE of the suspects linked to the mass killing that rocked Gugulethu over the weekend is expected to make his first appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once charged.

This follows the gruesome shooting in the early hours of Saturday, which left seven men dead at a home in Kanana informal settlement.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, members of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit arrested the 35-year-old suspect on Monday evening in Cape Town’s city centre.

Traut said: “In pursuit of justice, detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit worked tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding the mass murder of seven men in Gugulethu during the early hours of Saturday, 28 June 2025.

“Their relentless efforts culminated in the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect in the Cape Town city centre on Monday evening. 

“While the investigation continues and the search for an additional suspect is under way, the arrested individual is currently being processed for his imminent court appearance.”

Police have also issued a public appeal for assistance in locating a second suspect, Loyiso Matinisi, adding: “Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Sergeant Sithembele Sambunjelwa of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit at 073 416 5224. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Traut added that police patrol officers were alerted to the sound of gunfire at around 3am on Saturday morning.

He said “Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of seven men, all with gunshot wounds...”

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

The man arrested is believed to be a known figure in Gugulethu and was also arrested at the beginning of 2024 after being on the run. 

He was facing a murder charge in connection with a killing in Gugulethu in 2023, but was released a few weeks ago as the case was dismissed.