Suspect in Soshanguve patroller murders appears in court

Suspect in Soshanguve patroller murders appears in court! A 27-year-old Zimbabwean national appeared briefly in the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing multiple charges related to a violent attack that claimed the lives of six community patrollers in Soshanguve.

Charges Against the Accused

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, faces a long list of serious charges, including:

• Six counts of murder

• Five counts of attempted murder

• Two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances

These charges stem from a brutal ambush that took place in the early hours of March 22, 2025, leaving six people dead and several others injured.

Soshanguve patroller murders

Details of the Attack

According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the horrific attack occurred around 3 a.m. in the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve.

At the time, 12 patrollers were seated by the roadside when they were suddenly ambushed by five unidentified men, one of whom was armed.

“The men allegedly opened fire, shooting one of the patrollers, before assaulting the others with rocks and wooden poles,” Mahanjana stated.

In a shocking escalation, the attackers then set their victims on fire, leading to a gruesome massacre.

Death Toll and Injuries

The deadly attack left four victims dead at the scene, while two more succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the death toll to six.

The victims included:

• Five men and one woman who lost their lives

• Five others were injured, consisting of four men and one woman

The sheer brutality of the attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many calling for swift justice.

Arrest and Investigation

The suspect was apprehended on March 24, 2025, just two days after the attack. However, his arrest was initially unrelated to the Soshanguve massacre.

At the time of his arrest, he was charged with:

• Possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition

• Being in South Africa illegally

While in police custody, authorities conducted an identity parade, during which witnesses identified him as one of the attackers involved in the Soshanguve killings.

Investigators linked him to the crime, adding murder, attempted murder, and robbery charges to his case.

Court Proceedings and Next Steps

During his brief court appearance on Monday, the accused was remanded in custody. The case has been postponed to April 1, when it will be joined with his existing charges.

The prosecution has indicated that more suspects are still being sought, as police continue their investigation into the heinous crime.

Community Reaction

The Soshanguve community remains in shock and mourning over the senseless killings. Many residents have expressed fear and anger, calling for harsh punishment for those responsible.

With tensions running high, law enforcement authorities have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.