Eight people were killed in two separate shooting incidents in Kwanobuhle today, 13 October.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, has immediately instructed the 72-hour activation plan to track, trace and arrest those responsible for the callous killing of the eight people and injury to another in the two shooting incidents.
In the first incident, it is alleged that at about 11:45 this morning, police attended to a shooting in Mabi Street where the bodies of four men were found inside a Mazda 323.
Colonel Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, said all the men sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.
“A fifth male (also with multiple gunshot wounds) was lying behind the vehicle and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. A sixth victim, who had already succumbed to his wounds, was found lying a few metres away from the car,” Naidu said.
The victims are between 18 and 25 years old and police are still seeking their identities.
“In the second incident, at about 12:10, the bodies of three males were found in Zolanqini Street. Two were found inside a silver VW Polo while the third deceased was found lying outside the vehicle.”
They all had multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies.
“The victims are estimated to be between 32 and 40 years old. The vehicle was reported stolen in Humansdorp in May 2022.”
Circumstances surrounding the murders are under investigation. Suspects and motive for the murders are unknown at this stage.
“Police are probing a possible link to the two incidents. Two cases of murder with multiple victims will be opened.”
Mene has called on the communities to assist police in apprehending those responsible for the carnage and has vowed that through the 72-hour activation plan, all resources needed in the investigation will be utilised to swiftly trace and arrest the suspects.
“We are urgently appealing to the community of Kwanobuhle to form a solid frontline with the police in combatting crime and protecting their communities from these heinous crimes. We condemn these horrible murders and our detectives will be working hard to make sure that these criminals are behind bars as quickly as possible,” added Mene.
