Following the recent surge of gun violence and fatal incidents in Lwandle, intensified policing efforts deployed in critical areas resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the seizure of five firearms during an operation last Thursday (27 March).
According to Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama, spokesperson for Lwandle police, the suspects were arrested in connection with a fatal shooting incident in Ntanga Street, Nomzamo, on Human Rights Day (Friday 21 March).
Gama confirmed that a 43-year-old man sustained fatal gunshot wounds in the incident. The suspects were apprehended around 16:00 on Thursday when a vehicle matching the description of one sought in connection with the murder was spotted by police on patrol in Asanda Village.
Following a pursuit, the white Volkswagen Polo was stopped on the corner of Xaki and Solomon Drive, and a search of its five occupants led to the confiscation of five firearms and seizure of the vehicle.
The suspects believed to be aged 28, 29, 30, 32 and 42 were arrested on charges of the illegal possession of firearms and murder. Charges of attempted murder were added after the suspects were positively linked to another shooting incident which occurred in the Ethembeni informal settlement on Wednesday 19 February, when a 43-year-old man was wounded in the face.
The suspects appeared in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on Monday (31 March). The case has been postponed for further investigation.
Lwandle police are also investigating two separate shooting incidents that saw multiple fatalities and injuries. The first incident, a double murder, occurred at an informal residence at the Lwandle Hostels on Tuesday 25 March at 23:25. Two victims, aged 25 and 22, died from gunshot wounds to the head.
A witness reported hearing gunshots and seeing two unidentified men fleeing the scene. No arrests have been made.
Four 9 mm cartridges were found on scene. The double-murder investigation is ongoing.
The second incident, a shooting in Pholile Park informal settlement at 22:20 on Wednesday 26 March, saw three murders and two attempted murders. Three victims (aged 32 and 33) died and one sustained a leg injury, while another was unharmed. A witness reported hearing a knock and then gunfire before hiding. Forensic evidence, including numerous 9 mm cartridges and projectiles, was collected from the scene.
No arrests have been made and the suspects remain at large.
