PORT ELIZABETH – The Station Commander of SAPS Walmer, Colonel Crystal McClean immediately set up a task team and implemented the 72-hour activation plan following two murders and a house robbery which took place in Walmer location over the weekend.
In the first incident, it is alleged on Sunday, 27 September 2020 at about 03:30, Nkosivumile Ntukela (36) and his family were asleep after having a traditional ceremony at a house in Federation Street in Walmer location. The door was unlocked and three suspects entered the house and pointed a firearm at them. They demanded money and cell phones. Ntukela informed them that he did not have any money. Two shots were fired with one hitting him on his hip, fatally wounding him. The men took three cell phones, a 32 inch TV and a speaker box. They then left on foot. A case of murder and house robbery is being investigated.
Later the same morning, at about 08:00 police responded to a complaint of a shooting in the area of G-West in Walmer location. While on the route, the community stopped them and pointed out a body of a male lying on the ground with a bullet wound in his upper body. The man was identified as Spranki Smama, 22 years old, residing in G-West. Circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation.
On Monday, 28 September 2020, the task team led by Col McClean and comprising of the Detective Trio members, crime prevention members, the Crime Information Management Centre and Walmer detectives set out on the hunt for the suspect/s. An intensive 10-hour operation conducted in the location led the team to a house in Zwide where a 22-year-old suspect was arrested. A .38 special revolver, two rounds of ammunition, the suspected stolen speaker box and two cell phones were recovered.
The firearm was reported stolen in housebreaking in September 2020.
The suspect is detained on charges of murder and house robbery, murder, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition as well as possession of the suspected stolen property. More arrests are expected.
He will appear in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court soon.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Tembisile Patekile commended the team on the swift arrest and confiscations.’ We appreciate the community’s assistance in providing information on criminals operating in their areas and urge them not to harbour these criminals. The war on crime can only be won if we work together in ensuring the safety of all law-abiding citizens,’ added Maj Gen Patekile.