Malmesbury mass shooting
Police intensify efforts against gang violence
Arrests in Wesbank mass shooting
CRIME SCENE: Wesbank, Malmesbury: The South African Police Service (SAPS) have made a major breakthrough following a mass shooting incident pm 24 June 2026.
According to SAPS the relentless pursuit of suspects involved in gang-related violence has yielded positive results with the arrest of three suspects in connection with a double murder and multiple attempted murders in Wesbank.
“The arrests follow an intensive investigation by detectives attached to the Western Cape Anti-Gang Unit into a shooting incident in which Ralph Andrew Philander (57) and Riaan Henrico Goliath (41) were fatally wounded. Three other victims sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were admitted to hospital for medical treatment,” said SAPS
The suspects, aged 25, 26 and 31-years were arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder and will appear in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 20 July 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was gang-related and forms part of an ongoing conflict between rival gangs operating in the area.
In a separate crime prevention operation aimed at disrupting gang-related criminality in Wesbank, the Anti-Gang Unit and Crime Intelligence conducted a search at a premises in Tintinkie Street, Malmesbury.
SAPS said they confiscated a gas gun and a revolver-style imitation firearm. Upon further inspection, police discovered a live .22 calibre round concealed in the chamber of the imitation firearm. No arrests have been made in connection with the seizure at this stage. The items were booked into the SAPS 13 register for further investigation, and an enquiry has been registered.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Major General Luyanda Damoyi, commended the members involved in the investigation and subsequent arrests for their dedication and perseverance.
Damoyi also expressed his appreciation to community members who came forward with information and assisted police in their efforts to root out gangsterism and create safer neighbourhoods.
Also read: Two killed in another mass shooting – Crime Scene Report
Two dead, seven wounded as gunmen open fire
Arrest in Wesbank mass shooting
UPDATE! Anti-Gang-Unit detectives, who have been working around the clock since a fatal shooting incident in Wesbank, Malmesbury, have arrested two more suspects, aged 26 and 32-years-old.
This brings the number of arrests to three, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation only days after the attack occurred, said the South African Police Service (SAPS)
The first suspect, aged 27, appeared before the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. The two latest suspects are expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the three suspects are linked to a local gang operating in the Malmesbury area, .
“Another person has since been added to the wounded, bringing the total number of injuries to eight people.
“Investigators continue to pursue every available lead as they work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack. The swift progress made in the case reflects the determination of the investigating team to identify those responsible and ensure that they are brought before the courts,” said SAPS.
CRIME SCENE: Wesbank, Malmesbury: The South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested a 27-year-old suspect in connection with a mass shooting incident here.
The suspect was arrested on Monday, 13 July 2026, and is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, on charges relating to the shooting of nine people.
The police are investigating two counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the shooting during the early hours of Sunday, 12 July 2026.
The police are investigating two counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder following the incident in Wesbank during the early hours of Sunday, 12 July 2026.
Police responded to the incident at approximately 04:40 in Godetia Street, where they found the bodies of a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Six adults and an infant were injured in the shooting and were admitted to hospital for medical treatment. The infant was subsequently transferred to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. The injured victims are in a stable condition, said SAPS.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that a group of people were outside a residence when unknown suspects opened fire on them. Evidence recovered at the scene suggests that more than one assailant may have been involved in the attack.
“The possibility that the incident may be gang-related is being investigated.
“In the wake of the incident, policing in the area has been reinforced to prevent further violence and any possible retaliatory attacks,” said SAPS.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS-App annonymously.