Five suspects linked to Westbury mass shooting to remain custody

Five suspects linked to a mass shooting in Westbury will remain in custody following a brief appearance before the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Thursday.

In October, seven teens who were gathered at a house in the area were ambushed by another group who fired a hail of bullets at them, claiming two lives.

The five suspects each face two counts of murder and five of attempted murder.

On Wednesday, in a bid to find a lasting solution to gang-related crime in the area, the community gathered at a local hall to discuss their plight.

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After the long wait for the proceedings to begin, the families of the accused all filled the Johannesburg Magistrates Court's public gallery.

The sister of one of the suspects said that the family was going through a lot of emotional turmoil over the recent turn of events.

"My family has been going through a lot of emotional distress because as we don't know what is going on. As for my mother, I know she's going through a lot, and we just hope that this can blow over fast because we do not know what's happening."

The sister added that she hopes that justice is served, no matter the outcome.

The matter has been postponed to next week for a formal bail application.

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