GQEBERHA – Four suspects arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of four people and the wounding of two others in Govan Mbeki, KwaDwesi, earlier this month, have appeared in court on murder charges, with the case postponed.
The suspects were arrested by the South African Police Service’s Eastern Cape Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit following the attack, which occurred on 6 June at about 20:40.
In a statement, SAPS spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the arrests were made on Friday, 19 June, after a breakthrough was made in the case.
In the murder case on 6 June, several male suspects entered a house in Mti Street, Govan Mbeki, KwaDwesi and shot and killed four persons (one male aged 41, and three females aged 36, 41 and 26).
He added that another two females aged 39 and 50 were also wounded during the shooting. “The suspects (all wearing masks) took the victims’ mobile phones afterwards and fled the scene.”
Regarding the six counts, Beetge said, “A murder case (4 counts) and attempted murder (2 counts) were opened by SAPS KwaDwesi and are being investigated by the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit.”
He further stated that the four male suspects, aged between 20 and 34, made a brief appearance before the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 June and the case was remanded to 29 June for formal bail applications.
The SAPS Acting District Commissioner for Nelson Mandela Bay District, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, applauded the arrests of the suspects. “The arrest of these four suspects is a significant breakthrough in a case that claimed the lives of four people and left two others injured,” she said.
Ngalo added, “I commend the dedicated members of the Serious Violent Crime Unit for their relentless efforts, professionalism, and commitment in bringing those responsible before the courts. We trust that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to the affected families and communities as the criminal justice process unfolds.”
ALSO READ: Manhunt launched after three men gunned down in KwaDwesi shooting
