Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has immediately ordered the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Anti-Gang Unit) to hunt down the perpetrators that were involved in the tragic incident that unfolded last night, September 17, leaving five people dead in Gelvandale, Gqeberha.
Col Priscilla Naidu of the South African Police Services said, “It is alleged that at about 23:50, unknown number of gunmen wearing balaclavas entered a yard in Koedoe Street and proceeded to the outbuilding at the back of the house. Shots were fired from the outside before the gunmen entered.”
Naidu added that the five people consisted of three males and two females, and were all fatally shot. “The victims are aged between 24 and 42 years old. Names and next of kin of the victims are still to be verified. It is further alleged that the house is a drug post,” Naidu said.
The motive for the murders is still unclear at this stage and police will be pursuing every possible avenue to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. A case of murder(5 counts) is under investigation.
Lt Gen Mene iterated that the loss of innocent lives is always a grave concern and has vowed that “the police are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
The safety and well-being of our communities remain our utmost priority, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served. We urge anyone with information relating to this case to come forward and assist us in our pursuit for justice,” Naidu concluded.
ISSUED BY SAPS
