The Mount Road Cluster Trio Detective Task Team has yet again made a significant breakthrough in linking a double murder accused to yet another murder case allegedly committed in Summerstrand in May 2018 where an elderly women was murdered.
Sizwe Jika (27) was first arrested on 21 September 2018, when two suspicious men were taken in for questioning and profiling by Walmer members after they were found in the Charlo area (Adam Road). The men could not account for their presence as this area is a hotspot area for housebreakings. They were brought to the police station for further profiling. While the detective officer was busy verifying the fingerprints of one of the suspects, he jumped through the open window and ran away.
On Wednesday, 3 October 2018 at about 14:00, a breakthrough was made and Jika was arrested in the CBD in Aliwal North. With the assistance of Aliwal North Operation Command Centre, the information received was immediately followed and the arrest was effected.
He has been positively linked to the murder and robbery of an elderly woman, Ann Smit (86) which took place May 2018 in Kamma Park. He has been linked through forensic evidence and has since appeared in court.
He also appeared in court on Monday, 4 February 2019 for 8 other housebreaking cases allegedly committed between March and July 2018 in the Kabega Park, Humewood and Mount Road areas. He was charged in court on this day for the brutal murder of Kelly Bain (26) allegedly committed in July 2018. Once again Jika was linked through DNA evidence.
His case of escaping from lawful custody is still pending. He was previously found guilty in about 12 other cases of housebreaking and theft committed since 2007.
Jika appeared in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court on 28 March 2019, for the murder of Smit. He was also charged in court for the murder of Anne Ferreira (83). Ferreira was found strangled and murdered in her Summerstrand home in May 2018. Her car was found abandoned near Despatch. He is positively linked to the third murder through forensic evidence. He is charged with murder, robbery, rape and kidnapping.
He is remanded in custody until 24 May 2019.
The Acting Cluster Commander, Brig Andrew Louw has applauded the thorough investigations by the Mount Road Cluster Trio Detective Task Team in ensuring yet another success against this cold hearted and ruthless criminal. ‘Our investigators will be working very closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that he deserves the punishment for his heinous crimes. The scourge of violence against these vulnerable groups cannot and will not be tolerated,’ added Brigadier Louw.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
Breakthrough in the brutal murder of Kelly Bain (26) and Ann Smit (86), PE
