Gqeberha police are investigating a brutal mass shooting that left four people dead and one critically injured in Motherwell’s NU 11 area on Tuesday, 21 January 2025.
Motherwell shooting: Here’s what police revealed
Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that the attack occurred at approximately 18:30 on Khalendula Street when three armed suspects entered a house and opened fire.
The victims include three men aged between 20 and 25 and a 16-year-old girl.
A 24-year-old male was also injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. According to Mawisa, the motive for the attack is not yet clear and remains part of the investigation.
The SAPS Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Unit is leading the probe.
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Detective Sergeant Nigel Wright or use the Crime Stop hotline.
However, fears of gang retaliation have reportedly deterred community members from coming forward with information.
Sources link son’s alleged criminal activities to mass shooting
While police have not confirmed a motive, sources close to the family have hinted at possible underlying tensions that may have led to the deadly attack.
Allegedly, a male relative of the family, who lived in an outbuilding on the property, was involved in illegal activities that had angered members of the community.
According to these sources, neighbours had raised several complaints about the individual, and there were claims of unresolved disputes between the family and the surrounding community.
However, there are no verified reports linking the young man’s alleged actions to the shooting at this stage.
The attack has left the Motherwell community on edge, with concerns about potential gang involvement and criminal elements in the area.
As investigations continue, police are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting in the hope of identifying the suspects responsible for the tragedy.