Four people died in separate incidents when criminals went
on a shooting, looting and robbery spree in KwaNobuhle on Friday, July 9.
In the first incident, that occurred at approximately noon,
a business robbery took place in Sonto Street. Three armed suspects allegedly
overpowered a shop owner as he was walking towards his vehicle. After robbing
the owner of money, a scuffle broke out between the shop owner and one of the
suspects.
Police spokesperson, Capt. André Beetge, said that the other
two suspects started shooting at the two that were scuffling, fatally wounding
their own accomplice in the process. Sinethemba Leve (31) died on the scene from
multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.
“A 9mm pistol was found in the possession of the deceased. The
owner escaped unscathed,” Beetge said.
In an unrelated incident, a little more than two hours later,
a shop was robbed in Golomi Street, also by three armed suspects. They allegedly
entered the shop and demanded money from the shop assistant. “When he refused to hand over any money, the
shop was set alight. As the victim ran out, he was shot at several times. Habtamu Bherina (32) succumbed to his
injuries at the scene,” Beetge said.
Two other incidents took place that night at approximately
19:30.
Beetge explained that two men, aged 27 and 26 years old,
died when one shop was set alight and another looted. “A shop in Bantom Street
was looted by criminals and the owner, Dareba Badol, was also fatally wounded.
Nkululeko Jonas died of suspected smoke inhalation after his shop was set
alight in Pilani Street, KwaNobuhle,” he added.
He said that quick police response to curb further attacks
resulted in police assisting other shops to close and some shop owners were
also escorted out of the area for their own safety. Public Order Police (POP)
and the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) remained in the area to ensure stability and prevent
any further acts of criminality.
“The motive for the attacks is suspected to be criminal in
nature and investigations are continuing. Due to swift police intervention,
calm was restored in the area,” Beetge said.
Acting District Commissioner, Brig. Thandiswa Kupiso, strongly
condemned these acts of violence and is urging the residents to come forward
and assist the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“Such merciless acts of criminality on law-abiding citizens
will not be tolerated. The 72-hour-activation plan is implemented and we will
be working around the clock to track, trace and arrest those responsible. These
criminals must be removed from society, therefore, we appeal to the residents
to work with us by reporting them,” Kupiso added.
According to Beetge, police are investigating the robberies
and murders as isolated incidents and appealing to the communities to assist
them in tracing and arresting the suspects. D/W/O Deon Arnolds at SAPS KwaNobuhle
may be contacted on 082 779 7277 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. They can also
visit their nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers
may remain anonymous.
