Published by SA Business Lens Team | 14 October 2026

Four people have died following a shooting in Katlehong North, Ekurhuleni, after a group of mourners left a memorial service on Tuesday evening.

The South African Police Service initially confirmed that two men, aged 21 and 23, died at the scene in Sophangisa Street. Five other people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. Police confirmed on Wednesday morning that two more victims, aged 23 and 27, had died from their injuries, bringing the death toll to four.

Three people remain injured. Children were among those caught in the shooting, according to reports from the scene.

Suspect hands himself over

A suspect handed himself over to police following the attack and remains in custody. The investigation includes four counts of murder and charges of attempted murder.

The case has been assigned to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team. Police have not confirmed a motive and say investigators are following all available evidence.

Authorities have also cautioned against unverified claims about the suspect’s political connections. The involvement of the specialised task team does not, by itself, establish that the attack was politically motivated.

Shooting followed a memorial service

The victims had reportedly attended a memorial service for a political party member at Mogobeng Primary School. The shooting happened as mourners were leaving the gathering and moving through Katlehong North.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called for a swift and thorough investigation. Provincial authorities expressed concern about continuing gun violence and its effect on families and communities across Gauteng.

Questions remain unanswered

Investigators must now establish what led to the shooting, whether the victims were deliberately targeted and whether anyone else was involved. Until police release further evidence, claims about the motive should be treated with caution.

The incident comes at a sensitive time ahead of South Africa’s local government elections. Political parties and public officials will face pressure to keep campaigning peaceful while allowing the investigation to proceed without interference.

For Katlehong residents, the immediate concern is the loss of four young lives and the recovery of the surviving victims. More information is expected as the suspect appears in court and police continue gathering evidence.

This is a developing story and will be updated when authorities release verified information.

Sources: SAnews and SAPS, EWN, and Associated Press.

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