Johannesburg – A suspect linked to a recent gang shooting incident in Westbury in which four people were fatally wounded has been arrested in Lenasia South.
Describing the arrest as a “significant breakthrough against gang-related violence”, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday afternoon, 18 August 2026.
Superintendent Fihla said officers from the JMPD Tactical Response Unit arrested the “high-profile male suspect”.
He said: “While on high-visibility patrols, Tactical Response Unit officers received credible information regarding a suspect linked to recent gang violence, specifically a tragic shooting incident in Westbury over the past weekend that resulted in four fatalities.”
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, officers headed to Lenasia South Extension 4, where they arrested the suspect, who was found with an illegal revolver.
The JMPD spokesperson said the serial number of the gun was filed off.
“During preliminary questioning, the suspect led officers to a second location in the same street, where a ‘Tommy Gun’ (submachine gun) and live ammunition were pointed out and seized,” said Superintendent Fihla.
“The suspect was immediately placed under arrest and detained at the Lenasia South South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
“He faces charges related to the possession of unlicensed firearms and prohibited weapons, with further investigation underway regarding his involvement in the deadly Westbury shootings.”
The JMPD urged the public to report suspicious activity and illegal firearms to law enforcement.
