The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) on Monday arrested three men after gunshots were fired inside the Westpark Cemetery, Johannesburg.
Gunshots were fired at the funeral of the late Hector Vintos Buthelezi – the Soweto TikTok sensation also known as “DJ Vintos”.
JMPD and undercover police officers from the Sophiatown Policing Precinct had been deployed at Westpark Cemetery for traffic management, and monitoring of the Disaster Management Act regulations.
The 36-year-old was gunned down in Rathebe Street, Orlando East, Last week on Tuesday.
“Due to the nature and situation of the funeral, there was shooting inside the cemetery. Undercover officers observed and identified the perpetrators,” said JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla.
“When the procession left the cemetery, officers responded to the information received and pursued the identified vehicles.
“The vehicles were stopped and searched, three firearms were recovered by officers. Two of the firearms recovered were unlicensed.”
Fihla said it was also discovered that one of the recovered firearms belonged to the Gauteng Traffic Police.
The person found to be in possession could not immediately provide valid documentation allowing him to carry the firearm.
“It is illegal to discharge a firearm in a public place without a lawful reason to do so,” said Fihla.
“Following numerous complaints and meetings regarding shootings at Westpark Cemetery, a promise was made by all relevant stakeholders that this illegal activity will be dealt with accordingly.”
Residents who become aware of firearms being fired at the cemetery must call 10111 or go to the nearest police station and report the crime.
All three suspects were detained at Sophiatown Police Station, and a case docket has been opened for further investigation.
The suspects will likely appear at the Sophiatown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 March 2022.
