The two men who were arrested in connection with the murders of Soshanguve patrollers have not yet been linked to the murders. The duo made their first appearance at the Pretoria North Magistrates Court yesterday. On Monday, the Hawks said the suspects were charged with murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of ammunition. However, the attempted murder and murder charges were not read out in court during their appearance.

NO MURDER CHARGE?

According to NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the suspects, a 27-year-old Zimbabwean national and a 50-year-old man, are both charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. "The 27-year-old man is facing an additional charge of being illegal in the country," she said. Mahanjana said the younger accused told the court that he intends to abandon his bail application provisionally, while the 50-year-old told the court of his intention to apply for bail.

ARREST

On Monday, the police arrested the two suspects separately after they were found with unlawful firearms in their possession as well as ammunition in Soshanguve Extension 6 and Extension 20. Their arrest came after six community patrollers were shot and killed with their bodies partially burnt at the Marry Me informal settlement in Soshanguve, following a confrontation with alleged criminals. Additionally, seven others sustained injuries and are currently recovering in the hospital. The matter was postponed to 01 April 2025 for further investigations and bail information.