World·Africa

Update: South Africa police arrest first Wedela tavern suspect in Limpopo; eight still sought

Published 9:00 PM CT, Sunday, September 27, 2026 · Updated 9:11 PM CT
In the 9 PM CT update

South African police arrested a man in Tzaneen, Limpopo, believed linked to Saturday night’s tavern massacre in Wedela near Carletonville that killed 17 people and wounded 15, PrimeTime News reported Sunday, citing Gauteng Police Commissioner Gen. Tommy Mthombeni. Investigators said blood-stained evidence recovered at the tavern strengthened the case against the suspect in custody, while a manhunt continued for eight other gunmen who witnesses said arrived in two unmarked vehicles with AK-47s and handguns. Authorities opened 17 murder charges, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property; the motive remained unclear.

• South Africa
• Wedela
• Carletonville
• Limpopo
• Tavern shooting
• Tommy Mthombeni
• Gun violence
• Manhunt
• Ramaphosa
• Crime