Gauteng police have uncovered a second crime scene believed to be linked to the deadly shooting at a tavern in Wedela on the West Rand, as investigators work to establish exactly what happened during the attack.
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed that the investigation has expanded to another location after officers recovered scientific evidence that could assist in identifying those responsible.
The early-morning shooting on Sunday left 18 people dead and another 18 injured. Police say the attackers opened fire on patrons at a tavern using AK-47 rifles and pistols before fleeing the scene.
Mthombeni said investigators later discovered four additional injured victims at Leratong Hospital, bringing the confirmed number of injured people to 18.
“We discovered within Leratong Hospital the other additional four of the victims. So, we’re having a total of 18 people who are injured, and a total of 18 deceased,” Mthombeni said.
Police are also investigating malicious damage to property after two vehicles were set alight in connection with the incident.
Second crime scene provides new evidence
According to Mthombeni, the discovery of a second crime scene could prove significant as investigators piece together the movements of the suspects and events surrounding the shooting.
“We have discovered a second crime scene, which is linked into that one. The second crime scene is where we got some of the scientific evidentiary material,” he said.
The evidence is expected to form part of the ongoing forensic investigation as police continue working to identify and locate the perpetrators.
Mthombeni said the investigation remains active and that detectives are following available leads.
Police suspect robbery motive
At this stage, police believe the shooting may have been linked to a robbery.
The circumstances surrounding the attack, however, remain under investigation, and authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspected motive or whether any arrests have been made.
The use of high-powered firearms has added to concerns surrounding the attack, which is among the latest deadly incidents to raise questions about violent crime and illegal firearms in Gauteng.
Investigation continues
With a second crime scene now identified, investigators are expected to examine forensic evidence from both locations as they work to reconstruct the events of the night.
The priority remains identifying those responsible for the deaths and injuries and establishing the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police have appealed for information that could assist the investigation as the community grapples with the loss of 18 lives.