Lwandle police have launched a manhunt for suspects who remain at large following a series of four murders that have shocked the community.
The victims, three of whom are women, were killed in their township homes.
The first two incidents occurred during Women’s Month (August), with both victims targeted by gun-wielding assailants using a similar modus operandi.
On Saturday 17 August, a 60-year-old woman was fatally wounded in a shooting incident in Nomzamo. According to Lwandle police spokesperson, Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama, the incident took place at a residence in Manengele Street around 20:30.
It is alleged that the victim was home alone when she heard a knock at the door. Moments later, her grandson entered with an unknown man who ordered him to leave before opening fire on the victim. The gunman fled the scene, and the victim succumbed to her wounds.
The second fatal shooting occurred in Asanda Village on Tuesday 20 August, when a 38-year-old woman was targeted at her Majola Street home around 20:40.
Gama said that two unknown suspects, accompanied by a tenant, knocked at the door. Upon entry, the woman was fatally shot.
The police are investigating these two separate cases of murder, with the motive still undetermined. Despite apparent similarities, Gama stated that the incidents are not linked, citing different descriptions of the suspects in each case.
He also mentioned that the police cannot confirm whether the grandson or tenant were accomplices or coerced.
Two more fatal shootings followed, with the most recent incident taking place in Nomzamo on Monday 16 September, claiming the life of a teenage boy.
“It is alleged that two male suspects arrived at the victim’s home, knocking at the door while calling him by name. The victim was targeted after opening the door. The deceased, a 19-year-old man, was shot in the eye and succumbed to the gunshot wound on the scene,” said Gama.
The tragedy was preceded by another in Asanda Village on Wednesday 11 September. An unknown male assailant entered the home of a 41-year-old woman, who was fatally shot in the upper body and died instantly.
- Lwandle police are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to a breakthrough in these cases or an arrest to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111.
