Police Minister, Gen. Bheki Cele and the SAPS National Commissioner, Gen. Fannie Masemola, will today lead a delegation of various experts within the organisation to the crime scene of a mass shooting that left several dead in KwaZakhele, Nelson Mandela Bay last night, January 29.
Eight people died and three are still fighting for their lives after two gunmen entered a yard in Maqanda Street at approximately 17:30 and started shooting at guests attending a birthday party at this residence.
Police spokesperson, Col. Priscilla Naidu, said that according to preliminary investigations, the owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when the incident occurred. Seven people, four men and three women, died at the scene whilst two men and two women sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment. One of the victims died in hospital, bringing the total number of deaths to eight. The owner of the house is among the deceased.
“Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack is underway. No arrests have been made at this stage. The identity of the deceased and injured are still to be established. The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit (OCI) is investigating eight counts of murder and three cases of attempted murder,” Naidu said.
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt. Gen. Nomthetheleli Mene, has strongly condemned the killings and labelled the incident as cowardice and a blatant disregard for human life. She has ordered the team of investigators to track and trace the perpetrators in the quickest time possible.
“She also appealed to the community to come forward with any information and not to harbour the criminals.
“These victims were killed by criminals and we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for this callous and cold-blooded attack on these unsuspecting victims,” she said.
Anyone who can assist in identifying the victims or tracing their next-of-kin is asked to contact the Provincial OCI’s D/Capt. Sitole on 082 457 2812 or Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.
