Ndudi Anyim
The Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS), have arrested 28 suspects for murder, while 634 others have been nabbed for other crimes.
Colonel Sibongile Soci, who spoke for the Provincial Police said the arrests were made in a bid to curb murder cases which continue to be on the increase in the Province.
He stated that the arrests and the recovery of arms, were made between April 12 and 19 April 2021.
“The 28 suspects are amongst the 962 suspects arrested across the Province for various crimes including assault GBH (221), 152 for contravention of Disaster Management Act Regulations, 129 for crimes detected as a result of Police action, 90 for drug related crimes, 26 for driving under the influence of liquor, 27 for possession of suspected stolen property, 13 for illegal possession of a firearm, four for pointing of a firearm and 59 suspects were arrested as a result of transgression of Domestic Violence Act.
“The other suspects were arrested for other crimes including assault, property related crimes and other serious crimes. All the suspects have either appeared in the various Magistrate’s courts or will appear in court soon.
Although efforts are made to track, trace and arrest all the murder suspects, there are other cases where Police hit a dead end and therefore urge the community to assist with any information that may assist the investigation,” he said.
Soci said the Police needs information on how to resolve a murder case where three people were found shot and killed in OR Tambo District, Libode. The incident is alleged to have taken place at Gungqwana Brigde area between Moyeni and Marubeni Location.
“It is alleged that two of the deceased, Likhona Sanda, 37, from Mbobeleni A/A Libode and a Lesotho National, Hlokomelang Makhetha, 35, from Qashasnek, were found just near the bridge.
“Also, the body of 31-year-old Simnikiwe John Qoyi from Mcwili location Marubeni A/A Libode was found a distance far from where the other deceased were found. It is believed that the deceased were traveling in an Isuzu bakkie with canopy, registration number HTK 947 EC and nothing was taken from them as all their property was found in their possession,” he stated.
The Police spokesperson said anyone with information about the murders is urged to contact Detective Lt Colonel Nceba Mshiyo on 071 475 2292 or SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or on MySAPSApp or any nearest police station.
He added that callers can remain anonymous if they wish to and all information will be treated with strictest confidentiality.
