Police search for Bityi killers after 5 people shot dead
The police in the Eastern Cape have launched a manhunt for the suspects who murdered five people on Friday night near Bityi, close to Mthatha.
Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, the Provincial Police Commissioner, sent a team of detectives to investigate the shootings that took place in Ncenjana Location, Mthentu Administrative area.
Police are on the hunt for the people responsible for murdering 5 people in the Eastern Cape.
The family was shot just after 8:30 PM when two unknown gunmen entered their yard and opened fire.
“I have instructed a team of seasoned detectives to hit the ground running and to work tirelessly until the culprits responsible for this senseless killing are brought to justice,” Mene stated.
She expressed her condolences to the victims’ families, describing the murders as “a barbaric crime at the hands of ruthless criminals.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that they are investigating five counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
“The SAPS is calling upon those who may have leads to come forward and assist the police in apprehending those behind the murders,” Mawisa said.
Among the deceased were a husband and wife who were sleeping in a rondavel, as well as a man and two women.
Police reported that two children were injured during the shooting and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
“They flounced out of the rondavel and started firing shots at the people who were sleeping in another house, fatally shooting three and leaving two injured,” Mawisa explained.
The two children who survived the attack managed to run away and inform their neighbours, who then called the police.