Police are investigating two separate gun incidents reported within days of each other after a woman was safely disarmed at her Pretoria home and social media influencer Ricardo Spies died following a shooting outside a restaurant in Witbank. Although the incidents are unrelated and occurred in different provinces, both remain under active investigation and have renewed attention on responsible firearm ownership and emergency response procedures.
The Pretoria incident ended without fatalities after specialist police negotiators intervened, while a murder investigation is underway following the fatal shooting of the 27-year-old influencer in Mpumalanga. Authorities have urged the public not to speculate while investigations continue.
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Police and emergency responders called to Lynnwood home
Emergency services responded to a residence in Lynnwood, east of Pretoria, on Tuesday evening after neighbours reported hearing gunshots coming from the property.
Pretoria Volunteer Emergency Services (PVES), together with SAPS and other emergency responders, attended the scene.
According to Tshwane police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, officers were met by a domestic worker who informed them that the 59-year-old homeowner had allegedly discharged a firearm on the property.
Police requested assistance from SAPS hostage negotiators, who successfully engaged with the woman before safely disarming her.
Van Dyk said preliminary information indicated the woman appeared disorientated, could not recall the events and was displaying irrational behaviour.
She was sedated before being transported under police escort to Pretoria Moot Hospital for psychiatric evaluation and medical observation.
PVES confirmed that one person experienced a medical emergency and was stabilised before being transported to hospital under advanced life support supervision.
Police have not confirmed whether criminal charges will follow, saying investigations are continuing.
Murder case opened after Ricardo Spies shooting
In a separate incident, Mpumalanga police are investigating the fatal shooting of social media influencer Ricardo Spies outside Hennie’s restaurant in Witbank on Saturday.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, officers responded to reports of a shooting and found the 27-year-old with a gunshot wound to the face.
Spies was transported to a nearby medical facility, where he later died.
Police have confirmed that a suspect has been arrested and charged with murder.
Investigators have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the altercation that allegedly preceded the shooting.
Separate Gun incidents, separate investigations
Although both incidents involved firearms and occurred within days of one another, police have not linked the two cases.
The Lynnwood matter is being investigated following reports of gunshots and concerns about the woman’s medical condition, while the Witbank shooting forms part of an ongoing murder investigation.
Authorities have encouraged members of the public to rely on verified information released by police rather than speculation circulating on social media.
Firearm safety: What the law requires
South Africa’s Firearms Control Act places strict responsibilities on licensed firearm owners to ensure firearms are handled, stored and used responsibly.
Key firearm safety principles include:
- Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Never point a firearm at another person unless legally justified.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- Store firearms securely in a SABS-approved gun safe when they are not in use.
- Keep firearms out of reach of children and anyone who is not legally authorised to possess them.
- Never handle or carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Report any lost or stolen firearm to SAPS immediately.
- Ensure your firearm licence remains valid and complies with the Firearms Control Act.
What to do during a firearm-related emergency
If someone is behaving erratically or appears to be experiencing a mental health crisis while in possession of a firearm, authorities advise against attempting to intervene unless it is safe to do so.
Instead:
- Move yourself and others to a place of safety if there is an immediate threat.
- Call SAPS on 10111 immediately.
- In a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 112 from a cellphone or contact your nearest emergency medical service.
- Inform emergency responders if a firearm is believed to be present.
- Allow trained police negotiators and emergency personnel to manage the situation.
Can you hand your firearm to someone else?
A licensed firearm may not simply be handed to another person.
Any transfer, sale or surrender of a firearm must comply with the Firearms Control Act and the procedures prescribed by the South African Police Service.
Anyone who no longer wishes to keep a licensed firearm should surrender it to SAPS or transfer ownership through the legally prescribed process. Firearms should never be given away or disposed of informally.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
While the two incidents are unrelated, they highlight the importance of responsible firearm ownership and the role of trained emergency responders when potentially dangerous situations arise.
The Lynnwood incident demonstrated how specialist SAPS negotiators can safely resolve volatile situations, while the Witbank case serves as a reminder that fatal shootings remain subject to thorough criminal investigation and due legal process.
Officials continue to encourage residents to report firearm-related emergencies immediately and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct investigations without interference or speculation.
FAQ
Where did the Pretoria firearm incident happen?
The incident occurred at a private residence in Lynnwood, east of Pretoria.
Was anyone injured in the Pretoria incident?
Emergency services confirmed that one person experienced a medical emergency and was transported to hospital. Police safely disarmed the homeowner.
What happened to Ricardo Spies?
The 27-year-old social media influencer died after being shot outside a restaurant in Witbank. Police have arrested and charged a suspect with murder.
Are the two firearm incidents connected?
No. Police have confirmed they are separate incidents under independent investigations.
Who should I call during a firearm-related emergency?
Residents should contact SAPS on 10111 immediately. For medical or psychiatric emergencies, call 112 from a cellphone or your nearest emergency medical service.
What Happens Next?
Police investigations into both incidents remain ongoing. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as investigations progress and court proceedings continue. Until then, police have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely only on verified information released through official channels.
