Three SA suspects were arrested in Botswana. Photo: Adobe Stock
Murder Files: Three family members killed, police hunt for suspects
A family was relaxing in their Eastern Cape home on Wednesday night when two suspects burst through the door, shot, and killed them.
Three SA suspects were arrested in Botswana. Photo: Adobe Stock
Police in the Eastern Cape are reeling after yet another multiple murder incident in the province, following gruesome crimes in Tsomo and Qumbu over the weekend. On Wednesday, 9 June, three family members were shot and killed at Mqanduli, in the Nkalweni Locality.
POLICE HUNT FOR SUSPECTS AFTER MQANDULI KILLINGS
Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said that two unidentified suspects turned up at the victims’ homestead on Wednesday night and knocked on the door before bursting in on the family that was relaxing inside, according to the preliminary investigation.
“Realising that there was difficulty opening the door, they forced their way inside and started shooting the son who was next to the door and proceeded to the mother and aunt who were also with him in the house,” said Kinana.
The entire family, aged between 27 and 61, were shot and died at the scene.
SAPS said the suspects disappeared into the village after the murders and no arrests have been made as yet. “The circumstances surrounding the murders are currently under investigation,” said Kinana.
A 72-hour activation plan has been put in place by the OR Tambo district management, in order to mobilise the necessary resources for the investigation and possible arrests.
“Community members are warned not to attempt to arrest the suspects, as it is believed that they are dangerous and armed,” said Kinana.
TEENS ARRESTED AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON ELDERLY WOMEN
Two women, aged 75 and 91, were attacked in their home in Tsomo on Sunday night. Both women were raped by the suspects. The 75-year-old managed to escape but the 91-year-old was killed at the scene.
“We shall hunt and find them,” said Lieutenant General Ntshinga, the provincial police commissioner, after the attack. “It is better that they condition themselves to bid their families goodbye, as the prison is waiting for them.”
On Tuesday, police made a breakthrough in the case and arrested two 19-year-old suspects for their alleged involvement in the crime, at a village in the Jojweni locality in Tsomo.
The suspects were expected to appear in the Tsomo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges related to house robbery, rape and murder.
ALSO READ:
