Atteridgeville Massacre: Suspect Confesses as Ballistics Link Firearm to Mass Shooting
Pretoria – A suspect arrested in connection with the horrific mass shooting in Atteridgeville, which claimed the lives of twelve people including children, has confessed to his involvement in the massacre. The suspect, who is facing twelve counts of murder, made his first appearance in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where the case was promptly postponed to 23 February 2026.
The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 6 December 2025, at a hostel in Saulsville, Atteridgeville, a township in Pretoria. Three gunmen stormed the premises, indiscriminately opening fire on those inside. The brutal attack left at least twelve dead and thirteen others injured, painting a scene of unimaginable horror.
Among the deceased were three children: a three-year-old, a twelve-year-old boy, and a sixteen-year-old girl, highlighting the callous disregard for human life displayed by the perpetrators. The owner of the shebeen, an informal tavern operating from the house where the shooting took place, was among the survivors, bearing witness to the carnage that unfolded.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed the suspect's confession, revealing that it came to light after the man's initial appearance before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. He was initially charged with the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The suspect abandoned his attempt to be released on bail.
"On his appearance, there was a confession which we had sourced, and that confession was presented, and this confession ultimately had a link in terms of the mass shooting in Saulsville and Atteridgeville hostel," Commissioner Mthombeni stated.
Adding weight to the case against the suspect, police confirmed on Tuesday that a crucial ballistics report had linked a seized firearm to the mass shooting. This scientific evidence further strengthens the prosecution's case.
Commissioner Mthombeni explained the significance of the ballistics report, stating, "When we get this firearm, they’ve undertaken a scientific process to determine whether the firearm was used. How can I say this firearm is not used in the shooting?"
He continued, clarifying the limitations of the report: "So, but I cannot say exactly explicitly, this firearm was used to kill this particular individual was used to kill that particular individual. But the scientific ballistic outcome confirms that the firearm was used."
The Gauteng Police Commissioner expressed the profound impact of the crime scene on even seasoned law enforcement professionals. "I think it’s the first time in my career that I have twelve people, fatally wounded in one crime scene. 13 people get admitted to hospital, a total of 25."
While the confession and the ballistics report mark significant progress in the investigation, the manhunt for the remaining two suspects remains ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to their arrest to come forward, as they work tirelessly to bring all those responsible for this heinous crime to justice. The community awaits further developments in the case, hoping for closure and justice for the victims and their families.
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