A suspect linked to the gruesome Kwazakele mass murders was arrested in the wee hours of Friday, 3 March 2023.
Kwazakele mass murders: Here are the latest updates
In a statement, Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana confirmed that the investigation into the cold-blooded murders of eight partygoers, who were ambushed at a birthday party on Maqanda Street, in late January 2023, took a new turn when a 33-year-old male was arrested.
The arrest operation was undertaken at approximately 03:00 on Friday, 3 March 2023, and involved a multi-disciplinary team comprising members from Eastern Cape’s serious violent crimes unit, the provincial tracking team, crime intelligence operatives, and the crime combatting unit.
Information received from tip-offs led the task team to an apartment block in Walmer, “where six suspects allegedly involved in the mass shooting were hiding.”
“As they arrived in 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. Meanwhile, the suspect was immediately arrested and later detained at Mount Road police station for a further investigation,” Brig. Kinana revealed.
The identity of the suspect had not been revealed when this article was published. Brig. Kinana explained that the public will get an opportunity to lay eyes on the alleged murderer for the first time when he appears before the New Bright Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 6 March 2023.
“Police are currently in pursuit of the remaining fugitives who escaped from Walmer Flats,” the police confirmed.
The suspects are wanted in connection with the brutal deaths of eight partygoers, who were ambushed at a house party on Maqanda Street, on Sunday, 29 January 2023.
From the evidence collected thus far, it’s believed several gunmen gatecrashed the event at approximately 17:15 and fired aimlessly at partygoers, striking 11 victims.
Seven people, including three females, died instantly, “while another four people (two females and two males) sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.”
“One of the victims succumbed to the injuries in hospital, bringing the total number of the deceased to eight. The owner of the house was among the deceased,” Brig. Kinana confirmed.