Five suspects linked to Westbury mass shooting to appear in court
Five suspects, including a 36-year-old man believed to be the mastermind behind a mass shooting in Westbury that killed two teenagers, are set to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The group is accused of killing two teenagers and critically injuring five others in a shooting last month.
Gauteng cops said three suspects arrested this week will join two others who were taken into custody last week.
On Tuesday, November 4, the Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit arrested the remaining three suspects in connection with the Westbury double murder and five counts of attempted murder.
The trio, aged between 17 and 20, were brought to police by their parents and lawyers.
“The 17-year-old has been taken to a place of safety as per the Child Justice Act, while the 19- and 20-year-olds have been detained,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
The suspects face two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
Muridili said the three will join the first two accused when they appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Two teenagers were killed in a hail of bullets on October 21, 2025 in Croesus Street.
The victims were identified as 18-year-old Tigan du Plessis and 17-year-old Diegan Ryters.
According to police, seven teenagers aged between 13 and 19 were approached on foot by four suspects.
Gunfire erupted, killing two at the scene and critically injuring five others, who were taken to hospital.
Earlier on Monday, man, 36, believed to be the mastermind behind the shooting made his first appearance at the court.
He was arrested on Friday and faces two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
Police also arrested a 20-year-old suspect in connection with the shooting.
He was detained at a high school in Diepkloof and appeared in court on Friday.
Muridili confirmed that two of the five injured victims have since been discharged from hospital.
Meanwhile, the court has postponed the case of the alleged mastermind to Thursday, where he is expected to appear alongside the first suspect and the three newly arrested accused for a formal bail application.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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