Western Cape police have made another breakthrough as they arrested a suspect in connection with the mass murder of nine people in Marikina informal settlement, in January 2026.
Police say the suspect was arrested on Friday.
‘’In the early hours of Friday 20 February 2026, Operation
Lockdown III members closed in on one of the suspects involved in a mass
shooting that claimed the lives of nine people in Marikana on 17 January 2026.
The members descended at the suspect’s home in Lower Cross Road, Philippi at
around 00:40. They found the 20-year-old male in possession of four cellular
telephones which were confiscated and handed in as evidence. The suspect was
arrested and detained at Lentegeur police station,’’ said Constable Ndakhe
Gwala, Western Cape police spokesperson.
He will make his first court appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s court on Monday.
COURTESY: SAPSMeanwhile, another suspect - A 19-year-old – has decided to
remain behind bars after he abandoned his bail application. The case has been
postponed to 16 April.
Western Cape police are also seeking the assistance of the
public to trace 28-year-old Lonwabo Steven Dyasi who is wanted in connection
with the mass murder.
‘’A warrant for his arrest has been issued by the court. A
19 year old suspect was arrested and appeared in the Athlone Magistrates’ court
on murder charges already,’’ said Sergeant Wesley Twigg, Western Cape police
spokesperson.
Anyone with any information who can assist with the
investigation or who knows the whereabouts of Lonwabo is requested to contact
the investigating officer Detective Constable Sibusiso Manqindi on 072 980 2764
or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
PICTURED - SAPS: Lonwabo DyasiDone by: Mitchum George
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