JOHANNESBURG, Wednesday 14 October 2026 — The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team has taken over the investigation into a shooting in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, that left two ANC Youth League members dead and five other people injured following a political memorial service on Tuesday evening.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that a suspect had handed himself over to police and was in custody.
The investigation involves two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
The incident comes three weeks before South Africa’s 4 November local government elections, amid concerns about violence affecting political party members and communities.
Two killed and five wounded
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, seven people were shot during the incident in Katlehong North.
Two men, aged 21 and 23, were declared dead at the scene.
Five other people, aged between 12 and 27, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital for medical treatment.
The shooting occurred at approximately 18:50 on Tuesday in Sophangisa Street, shortly after mourners attended a memorial service at Mogobeng Primary School.
Initial reports indicate that the victims were participating in a procession following the memorial when a gunman allegedly opened fire.
Police have not confirmed the motive for the attack.
Political Killings Task Team assigned investigation
The SAPS confirmed that the case had been transferred to the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team for further investigation.
The specialised team investigates killings and related incidents involving political figures or suspected political motives.
However, the decision to assign the case to the task team does not establish that the shooting was politically motivated.
Investigators must still determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether it was connected to political activities or other disputes.
Police confirmed that one suspect had handed himself over following the shooting.
No additional arrests had been announced by Wednesday morning.
Memorial followed earlier killing
The ANC Youth League said the shooting occurred as members and community residents were participating in a procession following a memorial service for an ANC Women’s League member.
According to the organisation, the woman had been shot and killed approximately two weeks earlier.
The youth league expressed concern that another shooting had occurred while members were mourning an earlier victim of violence.
It called on law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The organisation also urged police to intensify efforts to address violent crime in Katlehong and surrounding communities.
No official connection between the two shooting incidents has been established.
ANC condemns attack
The ANC in Gauteng expressed shock at the killings and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Provincial party spokesperson Sochayile Khanyile welcomed confirmation that a suspect was in police custody.
The party called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni attended the scene following the shooting.
Their presence came as emergency services and investigators responded to the incident.
DA calls for stronger action against violent crime
The Democratic Alliance’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Khathutshelo Rasilingwane, also condemned the violence.
Rasilingwane called for stronger police action against violent crime in the municipality and urged Parliament’s police committee to question senior police leadership about the situation.
The DA’s response comes as political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the municipal elections.
However, police have not established whether the shooting was linked to the election campaign.
Investigation continues
The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s alleged involvement and the possible motive.
The identities of the deceased had not been officially released in the police information available by Wednesday morning.
The SAPS has not announced when the suspect is expected to appear in court.
The investigation will also need to establish whether the incident has any connection to the earlier killing of the ANC Women’s League member whose memorial service preceded the attack.
The case places renewed attention on political violence and public safety in Ekurhuleni as the municipality prepares for the 4 November elections.
