GQEBERHA – Five young men were shot dead and a sixth person seriously injured when three unknown suspects stormed a flat in an informal settlement in Willowvale on Tuesday night.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the incident occurred on 6 October at about 21:50. Police received a complaint of shooting and proceeded to the scene.

“On arrival, members found four deceased male victims inside a two-room flat with multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies,” she said. “Another male victim was found in another room with gunshot wounds to his chest and right leg.”

She added that he was taken to a nearby medical facility by a private vehicle and declared dead on arrival, and a further victim was taken to hospital by ambulance for medical treatment.

Gantana explained that a preliminary investigation revealed that three unknown suspects kicked the door open, then opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene.

“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage, and the investigation continues,” she said. “Cases of murder (five counts) and attempted murder are being investigated.”

Gantana also noted that the deceased are five men aged between 17 and 22 years, and the injured victim is a 30-year-old man.

She stated that the scene was processed by the Provincial LCRC Task Team.

“The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation unit was informed and attended the scene,” she said. “Numerous cartridges and projectiles of a 9mm pistol were found at the scene.”

As a result of the incident, the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, will visit the crime scene today, 7 October, and thereafter chair an activation planning meeting aimed at ensuring the swift arrest of the suspects.

Gantana added that SAPS strongly condemns this senseless attack, extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, and wishes the injured victim a speedy recovery.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact the investigating team, Willowvale SAPS, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

“Information can also be submitted via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated as confidential,” she concluded.

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