By Thapelo Molefe
Police investigating the Saulsville mass shooting near Atteridgeville that killed 12 people and wounded 13 have linked a seized firearm to the attack after ballistic tests matched it to evidence from the crime scene, SAPS said on Tuesday.
The firearm was recovered last week during a joint operation by Gauteng and Limpopo police, which led to the arrest of one of three persons of interest in Polokwane. Several rounds of ammunition were also seized during the arrest.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola applauded the multidisciplinary team investigating the shooting, saying the ballistic link was a critical development in the case.
“Following ballistics testing, police can now confirm that the firearm seized during the arrest has been positively linked to the Atteridgeville crime scene,” SAPS spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said in a statement on Tuesday.
The suspect appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He abandoned his bail application and was remanded in custody, with the matter postponed to February 2026.
On Wednesday, the same accused is set to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court, where he faces 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder linked to the Saulsville shooting.
Police said the suspect cannot be named at this stage pending the finalisation of an identity parade.
A manhunt is continuing for two other suspects believed to be involved, police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.
INSIDE POLITICS