20-Year-Old Arrested in Connection with Westbury Double Murder

Natalie Nyathi

A 20-year-old suspect has been apprehended in connection with the recent shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, that tragically took the lives of two teenagers and left five others injured. The Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) made the arrest following an intelligence-driven operation.

According to Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the AGU acted on crucial information that led them to the suspect’s location at a high school in Diepkloof, Soweto. The suspect is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The incident occurred last week when seven teenagers, aged between 13 and 19, were shot in what police believe was a gang-related attack. The victims were approached by four suspects on foot, three of whom were armed, and were shot without warning on Croesus Street in Westbury. Two teenagers, identified as Diegan Ryters, 17, and Tigan du Plessis, 18, died at the scene, while the five injured were rushed to the hospital. Two of the injured victims have since been discharged.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has expressed confidence that the remaining perpetrators will be apprehended. He has also urged the four teenage suspects to hand themselves over.

The shooting has highlighted the ongoing issue of gang violence in Westbury, with community members expressing fear and concern over the safety of young people in the area. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has acknowledged a recent spike in gang violence involving youth and has deployed dedicated units to conduct regular searches in affected hotspots.

Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of the remaining suspects to contact the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, where callers can remain anonymous.