Mthatha — Police in the Eastern Cape has mobilised its resources to find the suspects behind the tragic killing of five people in Bityi on Friday evening following another shootout.
In a statement, Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Liutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said police received information that the family was asleep in two different houses in a yard.
“The parents (husband and wife) were sleeping in a rondavel when two unknown males entered and fatally shot them. They flounced out of the rondavel and started firing shots at the people who were sleeping in another house and fatally shot three, and left two injured,” Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said.
Meanwhile, two children survived the attack and ran away to the neighbours, who informed the police. In total, two males and three females died while the two children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
[FIVE FAMILY MEMBERS KILLED IN BITYI]
The @SAPoliceService has mobilised resources to apprehend those responsible for killing five family members in Bityi.
Yesterday, at 20:30, two unknown males entered a yard in Ncenjana Location, Mthentu Administrative area, outside… pic.twitter.com/1F0LEvKLdr
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@RSA_JCPS) October 19, 2024
“Police are investigating five counts of murder and two counts of Attempted Murder. SAPS is calling upon those who may have leads to come forward and assist the police in apprehending those behind the murders,” Mawisa said,
Mene also condemed the vicious acts.
“I have instructed a team of seasoned detectives to hit the ground running and to work tirelessly until the culprits responsible for this senseless killing are brought to justice,” Mene said.
She concluded by sending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victim of this barbaric crime at the hands of ruthless criminals and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured children.
Rise Mzansi have also condemned the shooting in the “Eastern Cape warzone” and said the situation can not be treated as normal. The party demanded that the Government of National Unity (GNU) must table a plan for safety and the party intended to approach Deputy President, Paul Mashatile at the next scheduled meeting, a statement read.
“Communities are living in fear and authority of the State is being aggressively challenged. This moment requires all political leaders , Parliament and the Executive to work together for the people of South Africa. Rise Mzansi is deeply moved by the gruesome and savage incident, and conveys its condolences to the loved ones, family and community of the deceased,” Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi said.
[MEDIA STATEMENT] The Eastern Cape warzone has claimed the lives of five family members, leaving two others injured in another mass shooting on Friday evening.
This is not normal, and cannot be
treated as normal.By RISE Mzansi National Leader, @SongezoZibi MP.… pic.twitter.com/zzM45L3SF9
— RISE Mzansi (@Rise_Mzansi) October 19, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
