The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has welcomed and applauded the multi-disciplinary team that swiftly traced and arrested five men suspected to be connected to the murders of nine people and the injury to another in three separate shooting incidents in Kwanobuhle and Uitenhage on Thursday, 13 October 2022.
In the first incident, it is alleged that at about 11:45, the bodies of four males were found inside a Mazda 323 while another body was found lying behind the vehicle in Mabi Street. The sixth injured male was taken to hospital. All the deceased and the injured victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
In the second incident, at about 12:10, the bodies of three males were found in Zolanqini Street. Two 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 26-30 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 18-25 years old was found lying on the side of the road in Rooihoogte near Kwanobuhle.
During the investigation, the team established that a white Toyota Quamtum bakkie was suspected to have been involved in the murders. Police worked tirelessly and around the clock to trace this vehicle and on 14 October 2022 at about 18:10, the vehicle was spotted driving from Langa location in Uitenhage 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 on nine cases of murder and one of attempted murder. They will appear in the Kwanobuhle magistrate court on Monday 17 October 2022.
Lt Gen 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 alleged suspects. It is however extremely disturbing that lives could be lost in such a cruel and violent manner. We will be collaborating closely with the NPA to make sure that bail is denied as well as to ensure a successful prosecution,” added Lt Gen Mene.
