A breakthrough was made in the investigation of two brutal murders in Gugulethu when four suspects were arrested early Friday morning (17 April), and another suspect for the possession of an illegal firearm.
Police officers attached to the Tactical Response Team, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Crime Intelligence Management and Analysis Centre, as well as the Serious and Violent Crime Unit, arrested four men, aged between 24 and 30, in connection with the murders after a thorough investigation.
Closely linked incidents
The arrests stem from two separate, but closely linked incidents in J. Nontulo Street in New Cross, according to Col André Traut, spokesperson for the provincial police.
In the latest shooting incident early on Monday 13 April, detectives responded to reports of gunfire and found three victims.
A 46-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were discovered inside a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds, while an unidentified male was found at the front gate with a fatal gunshot wound.
In an earlier shooting incident in the early hours of 23 March, the bodies of a 25-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were discovered by the police in a backyard dwelling.
“The victims, who were visiting the premises for a social gathering, were fatally shot without warning,” Traut said.
“The suspects are believed to be linked to both incidents. They were traced and apprehended at an address in Gugulethu.
“Through meticulous investigation and intelligence-driven operations extending across the Nyanga policing precinct and into Khayelitsha, the teams were able to piece together crucial evidence that ultimately linked the suspects to both crime scenes,” Traut said.
Man arrested for possession of pistol
In a possibly related development, a 35-year-old male was arrested for the possession of a prohibited 9mm pistol with its serial number removed, Traut confirmed.
“The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in the commission of these murders,” Traut said.
“The suspects are expected to appear in court once charged. The investigation remains ongoing.
“The management of provincial police in the Western Cape commends the swift and coordinated efforts of the multidisciplinary teams to arrest the suspects.
“The police remain committed to ensuring that those responsible for violent crime are brought to justice and that communities are protected from such senseless acts of violence,” Traut said.
- Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS.
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