Suspect arrested in Gugulethu mass shooting as police hunt for second man

One of the suspects linked to the mass killing that rocked Gugulethu over the weekend is expected to make his first appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once charged.

This follows the gruesome shooting in the early hours of Saturday, which left seven men dead at a home in Kanana informal settlement.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, members of the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit arrested the 35-year-old suspect on Monday evening in Cape Town’s city centre.

“In pursuit of justice, detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit worked tirelessly to uncover the circumstances surrounding the mass murder of seven men in Gugulethu during the early hours of Saturday, 28 June 2025,” said Traut.

“Their relentless efforts culminated in the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect in the Cape Town city centre on Monday evening. While the investigation continues and the search for an additional suspect is under way, the arrested individual is currently being processed for his imminent court appearance.”

Police have also issued a public appeal for assistance in locating a second suspect, Loyiso Matinisi.

“Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Sergeant Sithembele Sambunjelwa of the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit at 073 416 5224. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence,” said Traut.

He added that police patrol officers were alerted to the sound of gunfire at around 3am on Saturday morning.

“Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of seven men, all with gunshot wounds. Preliminary information suggests that the victims were socialising in the kitchen when they were ambushed by unknown assailants. Three other men who were asleep elsewhere in the house at the time of the attack escaped unharmed,” he said.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, said on Saturday that the motive for the murders remains unclear.

The man arrested is believed to be Lungile “Fire” Anthony Madolo.

Madolo, a known figure in Gugulethu, was arrested at the beginning of 2024 after being on the run. He was facing a murder charge in connection with the December 2023 killing of Gugulethu Community Police Forum deputy chairperson Lulama “Guffy” Dinginto, who was shot dead in her home.

Madolo was released a few weeks ago as the case was dismissed.

“Those who choose to disregard the rule of law can expect to face its full consequences,” said Traut. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to confronting violent crime with the full might of the law.”

mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za