Police in the Eastern Cape is looking for information that will lead to the arrest of six (6) balaclava-clad suspects who murdered a Sub-headman, daughter and a neighbour aged between 35 and 52 on Monday evening, 17 May 2021 in China Locality, Xhwili Administrative Area, Bityi.
Preliminary investigation suggests that six unidentified suspects came to the Sub-headman’s homestead claiming to be police officers who were looking for unlicensed firearms. When the suspicious family requested their identity as police officers, the suspects are alleged to have been upset by this and started searching the houses. Having found nothing, they took the sub-headman to a neighbour’s homestead believed to be a tavern, where they ordered him to knock at the door.
It is alleged that the neighbour opened the door and was also suspicious of the suspects who also demanded a firearm and took cash from the tavern. When the owner questioned them for stealing, they were all upset and started shooting him, the sub-headman and the daughter. They all died at the scene. The suspects disappeared from the scene.
SAPS Management has expressed shock at the brutal killing of the three and as such, the Provincial Commissioner has ordered a 72-hour activation plan to mobilise all the necessary resources for effective investigations and speedy arrest of the suspects. The motive for the killings is currently under investigation. Police have registered three (3) cases of murder and armed robbery for investigation. No arrest has been made at this stage.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner described the incident as “shattering”. The police will have the last word in these killings. “We cannot have a society that is ruled and ruined by heartless criminals. Those who are determined to kill, must take their lessons from the recent court judgement in Elliotdale. We shall find them”, said Lieutenant General Ntshinga
Members of the Community are warned not to attempt to arrest the suspects as they are believed to be dangerous and armed. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible for the gruesome murders is requested to make contact with Bityi Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.