Khayelitsha murders

Police Minister Bheki Cele. Image via: flickr

Khayelitsha murders latest: 11 suspects detained for their possible involvement

Bheki Cele has praised Western Cape police for arresting 11 people in connection with the recent spree of murders in Khayelitsha.

Khayelitsha murders

Police Minister Bheki Cele. Image via: flickr

A total of nine people were cruelly shot and killed in Khayelitsha, Cape Town on Saturday 15 May. Four others succumbed to their injuries and five others were left seriously injured. In the early hours of Monday morning, police arrested 11 suspects at a hotel in Sea Point…11 suspects believed to be involved in the Khayelitsha murders.

“Police Minister Bheki Cele would like to applaud the sterling work done by the Western Cape police in pouncing on those allegedly responsible for the bloody weekend in Khayelitsha,” a statement from the police ministry read. 

KHAYELITSHA MURDERS SAID TO BE LINKED TO EXTORTION 

Police Ministry Spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said these incidents are believed to be linked to the ongoing crime of extortion that’s plaguing several areas in and around Cape Town.

Following the gruesome Khayelitsha murders, a 72-hour Activation Plan was then activated for the mobilisation of resources in search of the gunmen. 

“The task team comprising of Lockdown II forces, intelligence officials, organised crime detectives arrested the suspects at a hotel in Sea Point at about 3:00 Monday morning. Minister Cele has welcomed the multiple arrests saying this would not have been possible if not for the added resources pumped into the Western Cape,” said Themba. 

“The 72-hour Activation plan is yet again proving to be an effective tool in the apprehension of those responsible for violent crimes. We believe these arrests will lead us to more answers surrounding the heinous acts linked to extortion and are a major development in our efforts to combat the crime of extortion. We owe it to the consistent and hard work of all those in the multi-disciplinary team that has brought about this breakthrough,” said Cele.  

‘WE WILL BEAT CRIME’- FRITZ 

Minister of Community Safety Albert Fritz also welcomed the arrests of the 11 suspects allegedly involved in the Khayelitsha murders. 

“I would like to welcome the arrest of the eleven suspects by the SAPS early this morning. The arrest comes on the back of a 72-hour plan activated by the acting Provincial Commissioner, Gen. Patekile. We need to commend SAPS for their work in this regard. The arrest shows that we can beat crime. The arrest shows that we will beat crime!”

Fritz was set to visit the Khayelitsha Police Station in Site B at 11:00 on Monday morning.

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