A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of eight people in KwaZakhele township outside Qheberha in the Eastern Cape. Eight people were shot dead at a birthday party on 29 January while three others were injured when two unknown gunmen stormed the house and started shooting randomly at party goers.
SUSPECT ARRESTED
Eastern Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said the police received information that led the investigation team to some flats in Walmer where six suspects allegedly involved in the mass shooting were hiding. "As they arrived at the house, only one suspect aged 33 was found. Upon investigation, his involvement was confirmed. His co-conspirators managed to flee before the police arrived," Kinana said. The suspect was immediately arrested and later detained at Mount Road police station for a further investigation. Police are currently in pursuit of the remaining fugitives who escaped from Walmer Flats.
THE VICTIMS
Vusumzi Sishuba, Andile Sishuba, Nomathamsanqa Mandla, Kholekile Frans, Mbuyiseli Mboya, Leyama Poro, Nandipha Koliti and one unidentified man died on the scene on that fateful Saturday night. It is alleged that Vusumzi Sishuba hosted his birthday and invited close friends over. His brother who was also in attendance died at the scene.
?FAMILIES SEEKING ANSWERS
Families of the deceased were left in shock and wondered what the motive behind the killing could have been. The deceased were described by one family member, Nqaba Bhanga as harmless socialites who liked having a good time. "If I didn't have other commitments I would have also been at that party. It was just an intimate circle of friends celebrating with each other as usual. We hope the police get to the bottom of their killings and we as families get closure and clarity on why all those people were killed in such a brutal manner," said Bhanga.
BHEKI CELE WITH PLEASED WITH ARREST
Minister Bheki Cele spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said: "The Police Ministry is encouraged by the arrests which demonstrate the sharpness of policies' investigative and intelligence efforts, which continue to pursue justice at all costs the suspects will appear in court soon."
The ward councillor in the area Gamelihle Maqula said they appreciate the efforts of the police because they can see that they are actively involved, however community members are scared to share even little details of what they have seen or heard. "It's hard, we don't trust each other and don't trust the police as well although we can see they are trying their best to crack these cases. We need help, we are not safe at all."
