Reiger Park drive-by shooting suspect which left six people dead is apprehended Image credit: SAPS shared via X @SAPoliceService.
(The Post News)-The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed a breakthrough in the Zithobeni tavern mass shooting with the arrest of one suspect in connection with an incident that occurred in Bronkhorstspruit, which claimed the lives of five people earlier this month.
The breakthrough comes two weeks after the brutal incident, in which five patrons were fatally shot and six others sustained serious injuries during an attack by gunmen who stormed the establishment in the early hours of Sunday, October 5, 2025.
“It is reported by witnesses that two men, known in the community, came into the tavern and demanded that one of the patrons hand over his licensed firearm,” said SAPS in a statement. They said a shot went off, and when the patrons ran outside, the suspects reportedly began firing randomly.
Zithobeni Tracing Mission Leads to the Arrest
According to SAPS, the suspect was arrested during a tracing operation conducted on October 21 in Zithobeni, where the incident happened. In a statement, the SAPS noted that the “Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigations, working together with SAPS Bronkhorstspruit, have arrested one of the suspects” connected to the mass shooting which happened in a tavern at Zithobeni.
SAPS said the suspect will be appearing before the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrates’ Court on October 23, 2025. He is facing multiple charges. “The suspect is facing charges of five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder,” SAPS confirmed.
Meanwhile, five of the six surviving victims who were admitted to the hospital for medical attention have since been discharged. However, one remains in hospital receiving medical care.
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