Multidisciplinary operation leads to arrest of 2nd suspect in murders of Soshanguve community patrollers

702's John Perlman gets an update from Eyewitness News reporter Jabulile Mbatha.

The community of Soshanguve near Pretoria is reeling after an attack on community patrollers over the weekend left six people dead.

Four people who were shot died at the scene and two others succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Five others are still receiving medical care.

RELATED: Death toll from Soshanguve patrollers attack rises to 6

A manhunt for the perpetrators has led to the arrest of a second suspect, the Hawks confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.

They’re accused of attacking a group of 12 patrollers who were doing their routine checks in the 'Marry Me' informal settlement in Soshanguve early on Saturday.

The arrests are a result of a multi-disciplinary operation including the Hawks, the SAPS and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD),  reports EWN's Jabulile Mbatha.

"What we know about the arrests is that one of the suspects is an undocumented foreign national."

"Both of the suspects were found in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition."

Jabulile Mbatha, Reporter - Eyewitness News

Community members told Mbatha there is a group of criminals operating in the area that has been terrorising locals, which is what the patrollers have been trying to put an end to.

One of their complaints to the authorities has been an alleged lack of police visibility.

During a visit to the area, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu promised the community more resources, says Mbatha.

"The Minister was very happy to announce that the Soshanguve police station will be getting more resources, so he does acknowledge that there's been a lack of that police visibility."

"He is promising the community more engagements - tomorrow already the government officials will be meeting community members to allow them to voice these concerns."

Jabulile Mbatha, Reporter - Eyewitness News

Listen to the update in the interview audio at the top of the article