Family of Westbury mass shooting suspect says community is divided

The family of one of the five suspects arrested in connection with the mass shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, says the community has been left divided over the incident that left two teenagers dead and five others injured.

The family of one of the arrested suspects, who cannot be named, spoke to the media at Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning.

Two teenagers were killed in a hail of bullets on October 21, 2025, in Croesus Street.

The victims were identified as 18-year-old Tigan du Plessis and 17-year-old Diegan Ryters.

According to police, seven teenagers aged between 13 and 19 were approached on foot by four suspects. 

Gunfire erupted, killing two at the scene and critically injuring five others, who were taken to hospital.

“Ever since the arrest, the family has been going through emotional distress as we don’t know what is going on,” a relative said. 

“As for my mother, I know she’s going through a lot as a result of the incident. We just hope this can blow over fast because we don’t know what is happening.”

She said the family had been struggling emotionally since the arrest.

“Our emotions have been very distressed. We would just like to get closure and know what’s happening,” she said.

She added that the community had been divided following the shooting.

“In our community, we have people who support us and those who are against us. Some people make us feel uncomfortable about the whole situation.

“But we know our people are supporting us and standing behind us because we know who we are. We are a praying family, and we know how to handle things like this.”

The family said they hope justice will be served.

“We hope justice is served because we don’t know the whole situation. We can’t say whether they’re guilty or not, but we just hope the court will rule fairly,” she said.

The five suspects, including a 36-year-old man believed to be the mastermind behind the shooting, are set to appear before the court on Thursday.

The group is accused of killing two teenagers and critically injuring five others in last month’s shooting.

Gauteng police said three suspects arrested this week will join two others who were taken into custody last week.

On Tuesday, November 4, the Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit arrested the remaining three suspects in connection with the Westbury double murder and five counts of attempted murder.

The trio, aged between 17 and 20, were brought to police by their parents and lawyers.

“The 17-year-old has been taken to a place of safety as per the Child Justice Act, while the 19- and 20-year-olds have been detained,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.

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

Muridili said the three will join the first two accused when they appear before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Earlier on Monday, a 36-year-old man believed to be the mastermind behind the shooting made his first appearance at the court.

He was arrested on Friday and faces two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.

Police also arrested a 20-year-old suspect in connection with the shooting. He was detained at a high school in Diepkloof and appeared in court on Friday.

Muridili confirmed that two of the five injured victims have since been discharged from hospital.

IOL