KOMANI – A 33-year-old suspect was arrested during a joint intelligence-driven operation and is expected to appear in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 1 December, on charges of murder. He will also appear in the Cacadu Magistrate’s Court at a later stage for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, the arrest followed a coordinated operation involving Mlungisi detectives, members attached to Komani Crime Intelligence, the K9 Unit and Red Guard Security.
The incident stems from an altercation on Monday, 24 November at about 20:30 in a shop in Mlungisi Township. It is alleged that an argument broke out between the deceased and the suspect after the deceased confronted him over allegations of sexually harassing his 18-year-old daughter. The suspect reportedly left the shop, and the deceased is said to have followed him, where the argument allegedly continued.
“Further allegations are that the suspect then withdrew his firearm and fired several shots at the deceased, who tried to run for his life but in vain,” Mgolodela said.
The deceased was found with a bullet wound to the shoulder. Six empty cartridges were recovered at the scene. The suspect fled immediately thereafter.
As the suspect was known within the community, a search was initiated. On 27 November, police received information regarding his whereabouts. A joint intelligence-led operation was mobilised, and the suspect was arrested at Ezitandini Village, Cacadu, during the early hours of 28 November.
During the arrest, a Norinco pistol with a filed-off serial number, one empty magazine, two mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of cash were seized.
The District Commissioner, Major General Rudolph Adolph, commended the operational team for their “zeal and determination” in ensuring the swift arrest of the suspect.
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