Five arrested in connection with shooting at cemetery
MONTGOMERY PARK – A total of six arrested and six firearms seized over the last week at Westpark Cemetery.
Sophiatown police and Metro police have apprehended another five suspects and confiscated four firearms at Westpark Cemetery on March 20.
According to Sophiatown Police Station Commander Brigadier Alfred Ndebele, officers were stationed at the graveyard in the event of gunfire as they had committed themselves to do.
Ndebele said shots were allegedly fired at the funeral of recently murdered Soweto TikTok star Hector Vintos Buthelezi, resulting in the arrests of the suspects and seizing of two illegal firearms, one licensed firearm belonging to a traffic officer and an air gun.
Metro police spokesperson Xolani Fihla said, “Due to the nature and situation of the funeral, there was shooting inside the cemetery. Undercover officers observed and identified the perpetrators. When the procession left the cemetery, officers responded to the information received and pursued the identified vehicles.”
Police stopped the vehicles to search them and three firearms were initially recovered. The firearm of a Gauteng Traffic Police officer was also found by the police. Ndebele added, “One traffic officer was arrested with an official firearm for discharging the firearm in municipal areas.”
This follows arrests made the previous weekend where one suspect was arrested for allegedly firing shots at the funeral of a politically aligned person.
Fihla said, “It is illegal to discharge a firearm in a public place without a lawful reason to do so. Following numerous complaints and meetings regarding shootings at Westpark Cemetery, a promise was made by all relevant stakeholders that this illegal activity will be dealt with accordingly.”
All suspects were detained at Sophiatown Police Station and are expected to appear in court in March 22.
Residents who hear gunshots being fired at the cemetery are advised to report the matter to the police on 08600 10111 or go to the nearest police station and report the crime.
Details: Metro Police Department 011 375 5911; Sophiatown Police Station 011 670 6300.
