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Police Arrest 11, Seize AK-47 in Bekkersdal Tavern Massacre Investigation

Investigators are testing seized weapons to determine links to the Bekkersdal massacre.

Overview

  • Joint police and Sibanye-Stillwater security raids in Westonaria led to 11 arrests and the seizure of an AK-47 and four handguns.
  • Nine detainees are citizens of Lesotho and one is from Mozambique, with alleged immigration and firearms offenses reported by police.
  • Cartridges and live rounds recovered at the crime scene match the types of weapons seized, which have been sent for ballistic analysis.
  • A Sibanye-Stillwater employee was arrested on allegations of harboring undocumented tenants and could face an obstruction-related charge.
  • Tavern owner Nonesi Matwa was charged over a fraudulent liquor licence after the attack that left 10 dead and 10 wounded, and police have appealed for public tips as the manhunt continues.