The Acting District Commissioner, Brig Thandiswa Kupiso is warning those responsible in Kwanobuhle for senselessly attacking, stealing and looting businesses in unrelated incidents on the afternoon of 9 July 2021.
It is alleged that on Friday, 9 July 2021, criminals targeted several spaza shops resulting in loss of life and loss of property.
Quick police response to curb further attacks resulted in police assisting other shops to close and some shop owners were also escorted out of the area for fear of their own safety. Public Order Police (POP) and the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) remained in the area to ensure stability and any further acts of criminality.
The motive for the attacks are suspected to be criminal in nature and investigations are continuing.
In the first incident, at about 12:00 on 09 July 2021, a business robbery occurred outside a shop in Sonto Street, Kwanobuhle. It is alleged that 3 armed suspects overpowered a shop owner who was walking to his vehicle. They took cash from him where after a scuffle took place between the owner and one of the armed suspects. The other two suspects then started shooting at the and in the process fatally wounding their own accomplice.
The owner escaped unscathed. Sinethemba Leve (31) died from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body on the scene. A 9mm pistol was found in possession of the deceased.
In another unrelated incident, at about 14:30, another shop was allegedly robbed in Golomi Street. It is alleged that 3 armed suspects entered the shop and demanded money from the shop assistant. When he refused to hand over any money, the shop was set alight. As the victim ran out, he was shot at several times. Habtamu Bherina (32) succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
In another two incidents, two other males aged 27 and 26 years old also died when one shop was set alight and another shop looted by alleged robbers. At about 19:30, a shop in Bantom Street was looted by criminals and the owner, Dareba Badol (27) was also fatally wounded. Nkululeko Jonas (26) died of suspected smoke inhalation after his shop was set alight in Pilani Street, Kwanobuhle.
Due to swift police intervention, calm was restored in the area.
Police are investigating the robberies and murders as isolated incidents and are appealing to the communities to assist them in tracing and arresting those suspects that are involved in these heinous crimes.
Detective Warrant Officer Deon Arnolds at SAPS Kwanobuhle may be contacted on 082 779 7277 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or their police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
Brig Kupiso has strongly condemned such callous acts of violence and is urging the residents to come forward and assist the police in bringing these perpetrators to justice. “Such merciless acts of criminality on law abiding citizens will not be tolerated. The 72 hour activation plan is implemented and we will be working around the clock to track, trace and arrest those responsible. These criminals must be removed from society therefore we appeal to the residents to work with us by reporting them,” added Brig Kupiso
