The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga has applauded the thorough investigations by the Mount Road Cluster Trio Detective Task Team in ensuring yet another success against a ‘habitual’ criminal. ‘Our members have made a significant breakthrough in the murder of Kelly Bain (26).
The suspect, who is in custody for another murder, allegedly committed in May 2018, was linked through DNA to the Bain murder. Months of meticulous investigation and the collection of forensic evidence resulted in the linkage between this particular suspect and the murder of Kelly Bain.’
The suspect (27) will be appearing in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s 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 will also be appearing for the murder of Kelly Bain.
The suspect was first arrested on 21 September 2018 when two suspicious men were taken in for questioning and for 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 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 the suspect 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.
The suspect 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. His next appearance is later this month.
His case of escaping from lawful custody is also pending. The suspect was previously found guilty in about 12 other cases of housebreaking and theft committed since 2007.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Ntshinga commented that ‘we will be working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to make sure that this suspect deserves his rightful punishment. Our detectives are also busy trying to link him to previous cold cases in the cluster. We have thus far achieved excellent results by linking the suspect to many serious and violent cases allegedly committed in the Nelson Mandela Metro.’
South Africa Today – South Africa News
