The police in Tshwane have arrested two suspects linked to the murders of five community patrollers who were shot and killed at the Marry Me Informal Settlement in Soshanguve over the weekend. The suspects, aged 27 and 50, were arrested yesterday by various law enforcement members, including the Hawks' Tactical Operations Management Section in Pretoria, the Tshwane K9 Unit, Akasia Crime Prevention, Tshwane Akasia Crime Intelligence, and Public Order Policing Pretoria.

FOLLOWED UP ON INFORMATION

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Christopher Singo said the police received information regarding a group suspected of being behind the murders at Marry Me Informal Settlement over the weekend. "The police followed up on the information and traced the first suspect to Soshanguve Extension 20. Upon arrival, police recovered one firearm, a 9mm Girsan with ammunition and serial numbers filed off. The police proceeded to the second address in Soshanguve Extension 6, where the second suspect was arrested. During the arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a 9mm CZ with ammunition, and its serial number was also filed off," said Singo.

CHARGES

Singo said the suspects are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of ammunition.

"The firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain whether they had been involved in other serious crimes in Gauteng," he added. Both suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrates Court tomorrow.