A suspect was severely assaulted by the community after he shot two men in Verulam

A suspect was severely assaulted by the community after he shot two men in Canelands, Verulam.

A resident of the informal settlement on New Glasgow Road contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) at approximately 20:54. The caller informed the controller on duty that two men had been shot and one person was being assaulted by a mob.

Reaction Officers were dispatched to the scene and on arrival found a mob assaulting a man who was accused of shooting the victims. It was established that both victims were in their home when three men knocked on their door. The gunman opened fire on both occupants when they opened the door.

Sounds of gunfire drew attention from residents who managed to the apprehended one suspect while two of his accomplices fled on foot. The Malawian National denied being involved in the shooting and stated that he was also robbed. The victims aged 21 and 25 who are also Malawian nationals however confirmed that he was the shooter. A .38 Special revolver was recovered at the scene.

The injured men were transported to a local hospital. The suspect was placed under arrest and is currently in detention. He had sustained severe injuries from the assault.

The motive for the shooting was not immediately established.