SA: Hillbrow Theatre 'shooter' in hospital

It was reported that the gunman, 33, halted the concert and threatened that it would not continue unless his cellphone was returned to him. He then allegedly opened fire on the concertgoers, killing one and injuring eight.

The suspect then fled the theatre on foot and was arrested hours later during a botched armed robbery at Greenstone Mall in Edenvale.  

“He was arrested at the Greenstone Mall where a group of five suspects robbed a business yesterday morning,” Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Lt-Col Lungelo Dlamini said. “Police and mall security chased the suspects as they were fleeing. He was arrested and four others managed to escape. During his arrest, he sustained injuries and was taken to Tembisa Hospital where he is under police guard. Four others are still at large.”

Police spokesperson Lt Kay Makhubela confirmed on Monday afternoon that the suspect was in custody. Refusing to give details about the suspect’s name, Makhubela told Music In Africa: “The name of the suspect will be known when he goes to court.”

Hillbrow Theatre director Gerard Bester said: “The management and staff of the theatre are in shock and deeply saddened by the unforeseeable and traumatic act of violence in our theatre. Our deepest condolences go to the family and friends of the deceased.

“We are shocked by this incident and are trying to find ways to provide trauma counselling for any of our staff who were on duty. We are grateful to the community of Hillbrow and friends of the Hillbrow Theatre who are supportive of us during this unfortunate incident.”

Bester said the concert was not organised by the theatre. “The Hillbrow Theatre management had rented the theatre space to an independent producer for a music event on 26 August 2017. Additional security is hired for all events at the Hillbrow Theatre, which is also stipulated in the contract for external companies hiring the venue,” he said.

Earlier reports said the shooting had happened at the Joburg Theatre, which is located in Braamfontein near Hillbrow and is part of the Joburg City Theatres (JCT) group.  

“The JCT passes heartfelt sympathy to our neighbour, Hillbrow Theatre, for the unfortunate incident at a concert in the early hours of Sunday morning,” a JCT statement released on Monday said.

“The JCT further wishes to clarify that the incident did not happen at any of its theatres. The initial reports indicated that the incident happened at a Joburg Theatre, which may be confusing to our patrons.

“Joburg City Theatres is committed to the safety of all theatregoers. We are disturbed by the reports of what transpired at Hillbrow Theatre. This incident has prompted us to review our security measures for all shows staged at our facilities.”

The police said the suspect would be charged with murder, attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of an unlicensed firearm. It is also suspected that he has been involved in other violent crimes.

"This has been the most horrible incident that has been experienced by the audience who were at the theatre to enjoy themselves,” Gauteng police commissioner Lt-Gen Deliwe de Lange said. “The police will never rest until the suspect gets what he deserves. Justice will be allowed to take its course.”