Men and women in blue are investigating various cases amid criminals running amok killing innocent victims and committing other heinous crimes around South Africa.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a massive manhunt for suspects who shot and killed six men at an informal settlement in Section V6 in uMlazi on Saturday night.
Reports indicate that three men were seated outside their rented accommodation consuming alcohol when unknown suspects arrived and opened fire at them.
“The suspects proceeded to the landlord’s house where they shot him and another man who was also inside the house. The suspects also shot another man on the pathway. All six victims, aged between 20 and 40 were declared dead at the scene,” said KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
He said the motive of the killings is unknown at this stage.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the incident and the possible whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, Free State police are investigating a gruesome case of murder after the badly burned body of an unknown man was discovered by a shepherd at an open field near auction trails closer to the township of Bohlokong.
Free State SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said on arrival at the crime scene, police found the burnt body of an unknown man in his 20 or 30s.
“The face of the deceased was still identifiable. It is suspected that he was burnt with a tyre as the body had tyre steel wire around his waist. A case of murder is being investigated,” said Mophiring.
Any person with information that may lead to arrest and conviction of the suspect can contact Bohlokong Detective at (058) 307-5800 or 082 453 0794, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or MySAPS App.
Also in Mannys, Welkom, Free State, police have launched a manhunt for suspected hitmen who fired several shots at an African male who was standing in line to withdraw cash from an ATM on Saturday at about 12.30.
“The victim was shot several times even when he was still lying down; a female employee of the bank sustained a shot wound on her leg; and a client who was inside the bank also sustained a shot wound on his knee,” said Free State SAPS spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng.
Thakeng said a girl aged 13 got injured while inside the bank when bullets hit the bank’s windows. Four other bank employees were admitted for shock in one of the hospitals in Matjhabeng.
“According to eyewitnesses, after the shooting, two African males were seen running towards a blue Toyota Yaris with ND Lesotho number plates and sped off. The victim who sustained several gunshot wounds was certified dead at the scene,” said Thakeng.
Anyone with information that can assist in tracing and arresting the suspected hitmen, is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Lechesa of Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes on cellphone number 060 985 9330 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
In a separate case, two foreign nationals at G-hostel in Thabong, were arrested by members of Operation Vala Umgodi who were conducting a disruptive operation on Saturday.
Thakeng said two rooms were approached tactically and 16 gold nuggets weighing 0,033 kg with a street value of R50 000 and R6 400 cash were seized.
Two suspects aged 18 and 55 were arrested for illegal immigration and possession of precious metal (gold). They will appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“Operation Vala Umgodi members applauded for these arrests and seizures at a hostel in Thabong known for illicit mining activities,” said Thakeng.
In Gauteng, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni led yet another successful multidisciplinary high-density #OperationShanela on Saturday night on the Golden Highway, Orange Farm where at a roadblock, a hijacked vehicle was recovered, two unlicensed firearms recovered with three suspects aged between 30 and 40 arrested.
Police confirmed that eight suspects were nabbed for drunk driving while over 20 undocumented persons were apprehended.
Furthermore, police closed a liquor outlet for non-compliance with the Liquor Act.
“This operation demonstrates the SAPS’ commitment in addressing criminal activity, ensuring public safety and enforcing compliance with regulations in our communities,” said Gauteng police.
The Star