PRETORIA - National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola addressed the media at Saulsville Hostel in Pretoria on Monday about ongoing investigations into open cases, including the recent mass shooting.
READ: Saulsville Mass Shooting | Death toll rises to 12, including 3 minors
Twelve people were killed and 13 others injured after three gunmen went on a shooting spree at the hostel on Saturday.
Masemola said, "we are still investigating the motive for this incident but we have an idea of what may have led to this incident however intelligence is still gathering and analysing information."
The commissioner said three suspects have been identified by the police and they have registered 12 counts of murder and 13 counts of attempted murder.
Masemola said the owner of the tavern would also face criminal charges.
One of the suspected gunmen is a parolee who was released this year, according to the commissioner.
READ: Saulsville Mass Shooting | Death toll rises to 12, including 3 minors
Masemola also mentioned that several people suspected to be involved with the crime have similar surnames.
The national police commissioner gave an update on festive operations, saying, "Out of 51,844 liquor establishments inspected, a total of 3,665 taverns and shebeens have been shut down of which 6,641 suspects have been arrested for selling liquor illegally since the start of the Save Our Festive Season operation which is October 2025."
"During this period we have also seized and disposed of 297,804l of alcohol that was being sold illegally."
The festive season operations are still ongoing.
The commissioner called on South Africans to remain vigilant to crime, in particular online scams.
"Be vigilant and don't become a victim of these kinds of scams," he said.
Masemola also provided an update on the Marius van der Merwe murder.
He said, "on this case, three persons of interest have been identified and one has been taken in for questioning, as police investigations continue."
The commissioner said they are confident they will make a breakthrough in the case.
The SAPS has met with Madlanga Commission representatives to enhance security for witnesses at the commission.