Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has called on law enforcement agencies to take swift action against the perpetrators of a shooting incident, which left at least four people dead over the weekend.
According to the report received by Express, a fifth victim died on September 19 in hospital. The incident occurred on September 17 at Qutubeni Administrative Area, eNgcobo.
The deceased men, aged between 39 and 77, were reportedly preparing to re-bury the remains of a family member, when they were shot at by unknown gunmen.
Four of the six people who were busy exhuming the remains in the garden died.
One of the two survivors suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.
Mabuyane sent his condolences to the grieving families and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the senseless killing of people. We call on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book.
“We cannot allow incidents like this. Community members leave in fear because of violent crimes happening in their backyards. These have no place in the province,” said Mabuyane.
He said the area of Qutubeni had been in the spotlight due to a high number of murders and, in July, he joined Member of Parliament, Fikile Xasa, in an imbizo aimed at creating awareness on crime-prevention issues.
Mabuyane said at the time of the imbizo, the majority of the murder cases were alleged to be related to stock theft and some of were identified as premeditated murders. He had once called again an integrated approach in dealing with incidents of crime.
“Civil society organisations, citizens and government must work together in the fight against the complex crimes impacting the safety and security of communities.”
According to a family member, Phelibhongo Sohuma, the deceased persons were Stotololo Sohuma (77), Zamile Msilana (60), Zwelitsha Sohuma (50), and Gcobani Sohuma (34), who all died on the scene, and Andile Sohuma (48) who died in hospital after he suffered serious injuries.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, confirmed that detectives from Eastern Cape SAPS were investigating cases of murder and attempted murder, following the incident.
“On their arrival at the crime scene, they were shown bodies of the deceased male persons aged between 39 and 77 lying in the garden near the graveyard,” said Kinana.
Kinana said the circumstances surrounding the killings will form part of the investigation. He confirmed that no arrest had been made at this stage. The investigation continues. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has ordered an immediate activation of the 72-hour mobilisation plan in order to track, trace and arrest those responsible for the murders. Anyone with the information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects is requested to please make contact with Engcobo Police Station or call the crime stop number 086 001 0111.
