The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Thandiswa Kupiso, has instructed the immediate implementation of the 72-hour activation plan following the murders of six people in New Brighton during the early hours of this morning, 5 November.
It is alleged that between 01:00 and 02:00 neighbours heard gunshots and at about 06:45 when they went to check on their neighbour’s house in Ramba Street, they found the door open.
According to Colonel Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, on further investigation, the bodies of four people (one woman and three men) were found lying in the lounge.
“Another woman was found in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. The woman in the bedroom had a child (3-years old) with her – the child was unharmed. All the deceased are aged between 25-35 years old,” Naidu said.
It is further alleged that the owner of the house was a “bush” mechanic who worked on cars. “Some of the victims were shot and stabbed, while others were only shot. It is alleged that the house is a drug post. Parts of the house were ransacked. It is not known whether anything was taken.”
The suspects and motive for the shootings are unknown at this stage.
The names of the deceased have been withheld until their names have been verified by their next of kin. Two of the deceased are still unknown.
A case of murder (with six counts) will be investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation in Gqeberha.
Kupiso has made a clarion call to the community of New Brighton to work closely with police in identifying and speedily arresting those responsible for the gruesome murders.
“We are appealing to everyone on all levels of society to stand together with the police to stop these ruthless criminals who threaten the stability and peace within our communities. The 72-hour activation team will be working around the clock to gather information and evidence to identify those responsible for committing such heinous murders,” added Kupiso.
Police are urging anyone who can assist in the investigation, to contact D/Colonel Willie Mayi on 082 697 5914 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
