Police in the Eastern Cape have arrested two additional suspects linked to the mass shooting that left 18 people dead in Lusikisiki on September 28.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, spokesperson for the National South African Police Service (SAPS), reported that the suspects were apprehended in Flagstaff while in possession of three AK47 automatic rifles and a .243 Steyr Mannlicher rifle.
“Initial investigations suggest that the firearms were relocated following the Lusikisiki massacre. These high-caliber weapons have been taken for ballistics testing to confirm their involvement in the crime and to identify any other crime scenes they may be linked to,” Mathe stated.
The first suspect, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, was arrested on October 7 at his home in the Mthimde Location, Mamfengwini. This 45-year-old man, who had been on parole, has since appeared in court and waived his bail application.
Subsequent arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal after the suspects fled. Following intelligence tips, police conducted an operation in Port Shepstone on October 16, where three suspects were apprehended at a rented location in the Mkholombe informal settlement.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for KZN police, explained that community information played a crucial role in the arrests.
In response to the tragedy, SAPS Minister Willies Mchunu announced the deployment of additional police resources to the area, expressing confidence that more arrests would follow. The suspects are set to appear in court on Friday.
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