Soshanguve Patrol Murders
By Thobeka Makume
On 26 March 2025, two men, aged 27 and 50, appeared in the Pretoria North Magistrates Court facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, with the younger suspect also charged with being in the country illegally. However, they have not yet been formally linked to the brutal murders of six community patrollers in Soshanguve that took place over the weekend. The court session was closed to the public, and an identity parade is scheduled to determine if they will face murder charges.
Court Appearance and Charges
The two suspects appeared briefly in a sitting that was not open to the public. The court ordered that no pictures of the accused be taken until after an identity parade is conducted. The 27-year-old, a Zimbabwean national, is charged with “being illegal in the country,” as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The 50-year-old faces charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said, “The 27-year-old is facing charges of being illegal in the country, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition. The 50-year-old is facing charges of possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.” At this stage, the men have not been charged with the murders.
Details of the Attack
The violent attack happened in the early hours of Saturday, 22 March 2025, in the “Marry Me” informal settlement in Soshanguve. A group of 12 community patrollers were doing routine checks when they were attacked by suspected criminals. The attackers stoned and shot the patrollers, leaving five dead at the scene. A sixth patroller died later in hospital from his injuries. Four others are still recovering in hospital under police guard, while two have been discharged. The community has been left shaken, with many calling the attack a senseless act against people who volunteer to keep their area safe.
Arrest and Investigation
The suspects were arrested on Monday, 24 March 2025, after a tip-off led to a police operation. A team including the Hawks, Tshwane K9 Unit, and other law enforcement groups tracked them down. The 27-year-old was caught in Soshanguve Extension 20 with a 9mm Girsan firearm that had its serial number filed off. The 50-year-old was arrested in Soshanguve Extension 6 with a 9mm CZ firearm, also with its serial number removed. Police are testing the firearms to see if they were used in the attack or other crimes. The investigation continues, with at least three more suspects still being hunted by authorities.
Community Impact and Response
The people of Soshanguve are struggling to cope after the attack. A local resident, who did not want her name used, said, “People who commit crimes are known in this area, but we are afraid to reveal their names because our lives will be at risk.” Fear is keeping many from speaking out. On Monday, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the community to offer support. Mchunu promised quick action, saying, “We have given the police 72 hours to arrest the killers, and we hope that the outstanding suspects will be arrested soon.” The community is desperate for justice and safety.
Broader Context of Crime in Soshanguve
Soshanguve, with more than 400,000 residents, has long faced high crime levels, especially in informal settlements like “Marry Me.” The local police station does not have enough staff or resources to cover the large area, so community patrollers often step in to help. This attack is part of a growing problem of violence against these volunteers. In recent months, similar incidents have seen community policing forum members killed in places like Johannesburg, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union noted that this shows the rising dangers for those trying to fight crime.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
The two suspects will go through an identity parade soon and are due back in court on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. If witnesses can identify them as part of the attack, they will be charged with murder and attempted murder alongside their current charges. Police are still working hard to find other suspects believed to be involved. The outcome of the identity parade will decide if these two men are formally linked to the killings that have rocked Soshanguve.
The Soshanguve community and the families of the murdered patrollers are holding onto hope for justice. This brutal attack has shown how urgent it is to protect those who volunteer to keep their streets safe. Residents want stronger action to stop such violence and ensure that community patrollers are not left at risk. As the case moves forward, many are watching closely, praying for answers and peace.
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