The war against Gender Based Violence is gaining momentum as the Eastern Cape Police have pounced on five suspects believed to have masterminded the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the 51-year-old woman at Tsitsa Bridge on 11 June 2020, in Qumbu. The arrests were effected between Thursday and Friday this week after a thorough search and investigation which culminated to the discovery of the missing woman.
This breakthrough is a sequel to the incident where the victim with her 22-year-old son were coming from Mabaleni Locality Tina Falls to Qumbu, when their vehicle was blocked by a silver Polo with registration numbers ND4735 with two occupants. They were alleged to have pretended to be inquiring about something from her and afterwards pointed her with a firearm and demanding money.
It is further alleged that one of the suspects fired a shot towards the victim and grabbed her handbag with personal belongings and further dragged her to their vehicle. The other suspects assaulted the victim’s son with a pistol and he sustained injuries in the upper body before fleeing.
The arrested suspects include two women who are sisters aged between 30 and 40, who were arrested at Zipunzana locality on Thursday, a 55 year old man who was arrested Friday in New Bright in Mthatha and also found in possession of a 9mm pistol with rounds of ammunition, a 52 year old ex-husband to the deceased also arrested at Zipunzana on Friday, whilst a 38 year old man believed to be a foreign national was arrest at Vulindlela Heights on Friday afternoon 26 June 2020. Among the arrested is a police officer stationed in Mthatha.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga expressed appreciation for the sterling work and swiftness of the detectives’ investigations on the case.
“Whilst the SAPS prioritizes every serious crime committed against the people, we however take serious exception to crimes committed against women and children. There is absolutely no excuse for those who inflict harm and kill women. Therefore, the law must take its course against Gender Based Violence,” Lieutenant General Ntshinga concluded.
All the arrested suspects will be charged for Murder, Kidnapping, Attempted Murder and Possession of unlicensed fire-arm. They are expected to appear in Qumbu Magistrate Court on the 29th Monday 2020.
Investigation continues and more arrests are imminent.
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