The death toll from the Katlehong North shooting has risen to four after two more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, following an attack that targeted a group returning from a memorial service for slain ANC and ANC Youth League leader Jeanette Magugu.

The shooting, which occurred in Sophangisa Street on Monday evening, October 13, initially claimed the lives of two young men, aged 23 and 21. Five other people, aged between 12 and 27, were wounded when a gunman allegedly opened fire on the group.

The latest deaths bring the number of fatalities in the Katlehong shooting to four, with the incident sending shockwaves through the community and raising concerns about possible political violence.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that a suspect handed himself over to police and remains in custody.

The case, involving charges of murder and attempted murder, has been assigned to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) for further investigation.

According to information obtained by African Times, the suspect is Fani Sibeko, an alleged Afrika Mayibuye member and candidate councillor in Ward 51. Sources identified the victims as members of the ANC Youth League who had attended Magugu’s memorial service at Mogobeng Primary School.

Magugu, an ANC and ANC Youth League leader, was killed earlier this month.

The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation, with sources offering different accounts of what allegedly happened before the gunfire erupted.

A source who said she personally knew Sibeko told African Times that he allegedly became angry after believing that young people at the memorial service were laughing at him after he had addressed mourners and left the podium.

“He has anger issues. He does not drink or smoke; he is always angry. He heard the youth laugh at him after he left the podium after speaking at the memorial service. What kind of a person does that?” the source said.

A second source offered a different account, alleging that Sibeko was firing shots into the air before losing control and shooting people in the crowd.

The accounts have not been independently verified, and police have not publicly confirmed what triggered the shooting or established whether it was politically motivated.

The Gauteng Provincial Government has condemned the Katlehong shooting, describing the incident as a disturbing act of violence that robbed families of their loved ones and traumatised innocent victims.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the fact that the suspect was in police custody and called for a thorough and expeditious investigation.

“We welcome the fact that the suspect is in police custody after handing himself over to the authorities. We commend the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring that the matter proceeds through the criminal justice system,” Lesufi said.

He also called on residents to share credible information with law enforcement agencies to assist ongoing investigations.

“No gathering, community event or place of mourning should become a scene of bloodshed and tragedy,” the provincial government said.

The Katlehong shooting was among three separate incidents reported in Ekurhuleni on Monday evening.

In Vosloorus, one person was killed in a shooting in Manaka Street, Extension 2.

In Birchacress, Kempton Park, a 51-year-old man was shot dead while inside his car as he arrived home. The provincial government said the killing was suspected to be linked to the taxi industry.

The three incidents initially left three people dead and five injured, but the latest fatalities in Katlehong have increased the death toll from that shooting to four.

Lesufi extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a full recovery.

The premier said the provincial government would continue working with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen public safety and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes were held accountable.

The suspect remains in police custody as the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team investigates the Katlehong shooting.