Eastern Cape SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, has welcomed the arrest of five suspects connected to the murder of nine people and the injury of another in three separate shooting incidents in KwaNobuhle, Kariega, on Thursday.
In a statement, Mene applauded the multi-disciplinary team for the swift tracing of the suspects.
Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Col Priscilla Naidu, said: “In the first incident, it is alleged that at about 11:45 [on Thursday], the bodies of four males were found inside a Mazda 323, while another body was found lying behind the vehicle in Mabi Street [in KwaNobuhle].
“The sixth injured male was taken to hospital. All the deceased and the injured victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
In the second incident, at about 12:10 [on Thursday], the bodies of three males were found in Zola Nqini Street. Naidu said two victims were found inside a silver VW Polo, while the third deceased was found lying outside the vehicle. All had multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies. The vehicle was reported stolen in Humansdorp in May 2022.
“As soon as the murders were reported, Lt Gen Mene instructed the implementation of the 72 hour activation plan. Within this time frame, at about 08:00 on Friday, 14 October 2022, four males who were persons of interest were detained for questioning. The males, aged between 26 and 30 years old were found at a possible hideout in Summerstrand.
“It was further established that on the same day of the murders, another body of a male aged between 18 and 25 years old was found lying on the side of the road in Rooihoogte near KwaNobuhle,” Naidu said.
During the investigation, the team established that a white Toyota Quantum bakkie was suspected to have been involved in the murders.
“Police worked tirelessly around the clock to trace this vehicle. On 14 October 2022, at about 18:10, the vehicle was spotted driving from Langa location in Kariega towards town. The vehicle was stopped in Van Riebeeck Hoogte and a 34-year-old male was apprehended. The Quantum was confiscated.
“The three murder scenes are linked. All five suspects are charged with nine cases of murder and one of attempted murder. They will appear in the KwaNobuhle Magistrate Court on Monday, 17 October 2022,” Naidu said.
Mene commended the team for their outstanding and brilliant investigation.
“The effect of the 72-hour activation plan was felt, as the joint multidisciplinary SAPS team worked around the clock to ensure the speedy apprehension of the suspects. It is extremely disturbing that lives could be lost in such a cruel and violent manner.
“We will be collaborating closely with the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] to make sure that bail is denied, as well as to ensure a successful prosecution,” said Mene.