Court appearance for Wells Estate mass shooting suspect facing multiple murder charges

A 27-year-old man accused in the Wells Estate, Gqeberha mass shooting incident has appeared in court after allegedly killing three people and injuring six others during a violent attack in April 2026.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the suspect, Lukhanyo Mekula, was arrested after he “voluntarily brought himself to the police station accompanied by his lawyer” on May 18, 2026.

Police said the arrest followed intensive investigations into the deadly shooting incident that took place on 26 April 2026 in Msinga Street, Wells Estate, in Gqeberha.

“The Eastern Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation unit has arrested Lukhanyo Mekula, 27, a person of interest sought in connection with the mass shooting that occurred in Wells Estate, Gqeberha, on April 26, 2026,” Gantana said.

Describing the sequence of events, police said the shooting followed an altercation involving occupants of two vehicles.

“The shooting took place in Msinga Street, Wells Estate, following an alleged altercation between occupants of two vehicles. One driver left the scene, reportedly threatening to return,” Gantana said.

“Shortly afterwards, the suspect allegedly confronted and shot a homeowner outside his residence, then entered the house and opened fire on those inside.”

Three people were killed in the attack. Police confirmed that “the attack resulted in three fatalities: Maxhosa Nombana, 30, Mxolisi Maswana, 60, as well as Donricque Scheepers, 19, who later succumbed to injuries in hospital.”

Six other victims were also wounded.

“Six other victims sustained serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment,” Gantana  said.

Investigators further linked Mekula to an earlier case in Motherwell.

“Through intensive investigations, detectives also linked Mekula to a separate case of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and malicious damage to property committed in Motherwell during February 2023,” Gantana said.

The case involves the alleged hijacking of a state vehicle that was later found burnt in Ikamvelihle. 

Mekula appeared before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on May 19, 2026, where he faced multiple charges.

“He appeared before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and has been formally charged with: Three counts of murder; Seven counts of attempted murder; Robbery with aggravating circumstances; Malicious damage to property.”

Police confirmed that the accused abandoned his bail application.

The matter has been postponed for further investigation.

“The case has been remanded to June 26, 2026, for further investigation.”

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata praised the arresting team.

“This arrest shows that criminals cannot hide. We will hunt them down and bring them to justice,” he said.

 “I thank the community and our dedicated team for making this possible.”

The case is expected to return to court next month as investigations continue.

IOL News