A 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the murder of five people last week in Mbekweni.
Makhaya Cekiso made his first court appearance in Paarl Magistrates’ Court last Thurday (10 August). He is accused of murdering Zimkhitha Solani (39), Olwethu Sompani (34), Chandre Horn (32), Ntlantla Solani (14) and Simphiwe Solani (12).
All five victims were shot on 7 August in Viyongoma Street in the Chris Hani residential area in Mbekweni. WO Nceba Vanqa, spokesperson for the Mbekweni police, also confirmed the victims all sustained gunshot wounds to their heads.
Police rushed to the scene after gunshots were reported.
On their arrival one of the victims were found lying in the yard close to the gate. Vanqa said the four other victims were found inside a shack on a bed.
“The door of the shack was forced open and broken. All five victims had gunshot wounds to their heads and were declared dead on the scene.” Vanqa added that according to the information received the suspects were seeking a person called Zuko, an alleged drug dealer in the area.
“Zuko apparently fled the scene. He was the cousin of Zimkhitha and they, together with Olwethu, were well-known in Mbekweni for robbing people and housebreaking. The incident occurred during load shedding.”
It is unclear if there are more suspects to be arrested. In the meantime Cekiso remains in custody until his next appearance on 16 August for bail information and for his attorney to come on record.
