The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has hailed the work of the detectives who pounced on four (4) male suspects implicated in the murders of family members in Thantseka Village on 2 February 2023, in Bityi.
On the day of the incident at about 20:00 in the evening, the suspects entered a homestead in Thantseka and fatally shot an elderly woman aged 62 and her 13-year-old grandson. They further proceeded to the second house a few meters from the first homestead where they also shot and killed a 44-year-old woman who was described as the daughter of the elderly woman.
On Wednesday 14 February 2023, at about 13:00 Serious and Violent Crimes and Tracking Team, received information which led to the arrest of the alleged 26-year-old male suspects at Mabeleni locality in Mthatha.
On Sunday 19 February 2023, the investigation led the team to the arrest of a 37-year-old male suspect at Phingilili Locality, in Mthatha.
On Thursday 23 February 2023, the detectives in concert with crime intelligence followed up on information which led them to Rustenburg to trace the two outstanding suspects.
Subsequently, at about 23:00 the information yielded positive results as it led the team to the arrest of a two (2) 38-year-old male suspects at Seraleng Location in Rustenburg.
During the investigation, two firearms live ammunition and magazines were confiscated. A vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the offence was also recovered.
Two suspects Ntlangiso Aphelele Dumo (26) and Chwayitile Mthetheleli (Mtheza) (37) who were arrested in Mthatha villages were brought before court on the Thursday 23 February 2023 on murder charges.
The case was remanded to 23 March 2023 for a formal bail hearing. They remain in police custody.
“During my visit to the affected families, I made a firm commitment that my police officers are not going to sleep until the culprits are found. I am on record as having made it clear that the process of investigation seems longer, but it guarantees positive outcomes such as the breakthrough we have made in Bityi. Now we must allow those who murdered innocent people to face justice in the courts of law.”
The latest two suspects to be arrested, are expected in Bityi Magistrate court on Monday 27 February 2023 on Murder charges and possession of unlicensed Fire-arms and ammunition.
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