Police have arrested three suspects after a mass shooting on the R59 near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, where six Lesotho nationals were killed and others injured. The victims were travelling in a minibus that was ambushed. Gauteng authorities confirmed all involved, including suspects, are from Lesotho.
On February 3, 2026, a violent ambush unfolded on the R59 highway near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, claiming the lives of six people and injuring several others. According to South African Police Service (SAPS) reports, the victims were Lesotho nationals travelling in a minibus when they were attacked by a group of suspects.
Gauteng Police Deputy Commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana provided details at the scene, stating, “All three suspects were arrested and scene is still on and our forensics team is still on the ground processing the scene and that the job is done thoroughly to the expected level. All the deceased are Lesotho including the injured are Lesotho nationals, six of those who passed on also were shot at.” This update followed an initial report of two arrests earlier in the day, indicating rapid progress in the investigation.
The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, with police continuing to process the scene for evidence. Both victims and suspects are confirmed as Lesotho nationals, suggesting possible cross-border elements to the case. No motive has been officially stated, though the ambush-style attack points to a targeted assault.
This event highlights ongoing concerns over violence in Gauteng, though it appears isolated from recent extortion-related shootings in other areas, such as Atteridgeville last month. SAPS emphasized thorough forensics work to ensure a comprehensive probe.