Westbury Shooting | Families seek clarity as five suspects remain behind bars

Five suspects arrested in connection with the deadly Westbury shooting that claimed the lives of two teenagers and left five others injured will remain behind bars for another week.

The group briefly appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where their case was postponed to next week for a formal bail application.

Among the accused is a 17-year-old who appeared alongside three others arrested earlier this week, while the alleged mastermind was the first to appear in court last Friday.

The teenager spent nearly five hours on the stand in the presence of social workers and will remain in a place of safety under the Child Justice Act. The remaining suspects continue to be held in police custody.

State prosecutor, Henry Mbobo, outlined the details of the lengthy court proceedings.

Earlier this week, a 36-year-old man – believed to be the mastermind behind the attack – appeared in the same court following his arrest in Westbury last Friday.

Police say the shooting occurred when four armed suspects opened fire on a group of seven teenagers on Croesus Street, killing two and injuring five others.

The victims were identified as 18-year-old Tigan du Plessis and 17-year-old Diegan Ryters. According to authorities, two of the five wounded victims have since been discharged from hospital.

The sister of one of the accused said the family, like the general public, is still seeking answers about the incident that has shaken and divided the Westbury community.

She said the family hopes justice will prevail but admitted they have been struggling emotionally since the arrest.

The suspects are expected back in court on 13 November, where they will formally apply for bail.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe