By Priya Ranchod
Gauteng SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has, within 24 hours, established a multidisciplinary team to investigate the deadly shooting at a tavern in Wedela, in the West Rand District, on the evening of 26 September 2026.
The team comprises experienced murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence and Crime Scene Investigation members. It is led by a senior Brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in the province.
Gauteng SAPS Provincial Spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the multidisciplinary team had been assembled to ensure that all aspects of the investigation were thoroughly pursued.
“The team comprises seasoned murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence and Crime Scene Investigation members, and is led by a senior Brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in the province,” said Muridili.
She added that the charges had been updated to 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious damage to property and armed robbery.
One more victim has died in hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to 18. To date, only four of the deceased have been identified, including two South African nationals and two Lesotho nationals.
All the injured victims who remain in hospital have been identified. According to information provided to police, five victims sustained gunshot wounds to the upper body and are critically injured, while the remaining victims are in a stable condition.
Operation Prosper, which includes the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and specialised SAPS operational units such as the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Policing (POP), has also been brought in to review its operational matrix and intensify operations in Wedela and surrounding areas.
No arrests have been made at this stage.