The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety welcomes the swift arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the brutal mass shooting that claimed the lives of 13 people and left 12 others injured at an informal settlement in Cleveland, Johannesburg.
The Committee notes with encouragement that the three suspects, who are reportedly Lesotho nationals, were arrested at the Kwa Mai Mai informal settlement following intensive investigations by law enforcement agencies.
This significant breakthrough represents an important step towards securing justice for the victims and their families, while also restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The arrest comes just weeks after the Committee launched its Gun Free Gauteng Campaign at Kwa Mai Mai on 13 June 2026 in partnership with civil society stakeholders.
During the launch, the Committee called on residents to work closely with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and criminal conduct within their communities.
The Committee believes that the success of crime-fighting efforts depends on active community participation and strengthened cooperation between citizens and law enforcement authorities.
While these arrests are a welcome development, the Committee remains deeply concerned about the scourge of gun violence that continues to terrorise communities across Gauteng and rob innocent people of their lives.
The Committee sincerely hopes that the arrest of these suspects will lead to further breakthroughs in the investigation, resulting in the apprehension of all individuals involved in this heinous crime.
Those responsible for the senseless killing of innocent people must be brought before the courts and made to face the full might of the law. Acts of criminality of this nature have no place in a democratic society and cannot be allowed to continue with impunity.
The Committee commends all law enforcement agencies and investigators whose dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts led to the arrest of these suspects.
Their work sends a strong and unequivocal message that criminality will not prevail and that those who commit violent crimes will be pursued relentlessly and held accountable for their actions.
The Committee further believes that visible and decisive action against violent criminals is critical in rebuilding public trust in the police and strengthening confidence in the capacity of the State to protect communities.
As part of its ongoing commitment to safer communities, the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety will continue to champion the Gun Free Gauteng Campaign and mobilise all sectors of society to join the fight against the proliferation of illegal firearms and the devastating consequences of gun violence.
The fight against gun violence requires a united front. Together, we can build communities where residents live free from fear and where criminals are denied the space to operate.
ISSUED BY GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY SAFETY, HONOURABLE BANDILE MASUKU
