Police launch manhunt for murder suspects – SAPS Crime Report: 2022-01-06 20:06:23

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Eastern Cape

GQEBERHA – Police are on the hunt for the suspects who were allegedly involved in a shooting incident which left four people dead and one injured today, 6 January 2022 in Johnson Street, Zwide.

According to the report members from SAPS Kwazakele responded to a shooting complaint at about 11:00 today and found two vehicles (a blue Suzuki and a yellow Opel Kadett) stationary in Johnson Street, Zwide. Both vehicles were riddled with bullet holes. A person believed to be the driver of the Opel Kadett was fatally wounded and the bodies of three other victims were found lying in the street, next to the vehicles.  A fifth male victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds in his body and was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment. 

Police also recovered two 9mm firearms that were found on the scene.  An intensive search for the suspects is currently underway, however no arrest have been made at this stage.  

The names and ages of the deceased persons will be released after a formal identification has been done.  The Provincial Organized Crime Investigation team in Gqeberha is investigating four counts of murder and one case of attempted murder. 

The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.  The motive for the murders is not known at this stage and all possible leads will be followed up on.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has expressed shock at the brutal killing of the four people. As such she has ordered the activation of the 72 hour mobilization plan in order to trace and track down those responsible for the murders.

“Taking the lives of others seems to be a culture in some areas of the Eastern Cape. I am going to ensure that such a foreign culture does not survive any longer in my Province. We shall nip it in the bud wherever and whenever it manifests. It must stop now, than later and the culprits must be found.” Lieutenant General Mene concluded.

Anyone who can assist the police in their investigation in tracking and tracing the suspects is requested to contact Provincial Organized Crime, Detective Sergeant Mvuyiseko Xhayimpi on 079 896 7010 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.  Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. 

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