Two accused in deadly Gordon’s Bay Mall shooting appear in court
· The South African
Two men charged in connection with the fatal shooting of three people at Gordon’s Bay Mall have made their first court appearance, as investigations into the case continue.
According to the South African Police Service in the Western Cape, 32-year-old Tyron October and 36-year-old Byron Dryer appeared in the Strand Magistrates’ Court earlier this week, facing three counts of murder.
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Opened fire
Provincial police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the accused allegedly opened fire on three victims who were seated inside a vehicle in the mall’s parking lot.
The shooting took place at approximately 20:20 on Tuesday, 27 January.
Police reports indicate that gunmen drove into the shopping centre’s parking area, approached a parked Toyota Corolla with three occupants, fired multiple shots and fled the scene.
Court documents identified the deceased as Keagan Potgieter, Yusuf Morris and Lee-Roy van Rooyen.
Two of the victims were declared dead inside the vehicle, while the third was found fatally wounded outside. Authorities have not specified which of the three were located inside the car.
Remain in custody
October and Dryer remain in custody and are expected to return to court on Thursday, 26 February, when they are anticipated to formally apply for bail.
Police confirmed that a third suspect is still being sought and is expected to appear in court at a later stage.
Investigators are probing whether the attack may be gang-related, as preliminary findings suggest the victims were believed to have ties to a known group operating in the Cape Flats.
However, officials have not confirmed any affiliations linked to the accused.
The case sparked an initial manhunt, during which four individuals were questioned and later released after 48 hours.
Authorities have not indicated whether the two men now charged were among those previously detained.
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