BLOEMENDAL - SWIFT ACTION BY POLICE SEES 3 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN MISSIONVALE AFTER 2 MURDERED IN BACKYARD SHOOTING

Port Elizabeth police have arrested three suspects following a shooting incident which left two people dead in the city’s northern areas on Monday night.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that it was alleged that four people were shot while seated at a backyard shack in Bloemendaal on Monday night.

Naidu said that it was alleged that two suspects entered the yard and opened fire at the victims.

Two people, 30-year-old Clayton Fourie and 16-year-old Cherel Japtha were fatally injured while the other two victims, aged 29 and 27 years old were taken to hospital for treatment.

Naidu said that three suspects, aged between 22 and 30, were arrested in Missionvale within an hour of the shooting incident.

“The Quantam (minibus) the suspects were travelling in was also confiscated. The suspects were detained on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and illegal possession of ammunition. One of the suspects could be linked to a murder case which was reported in December 2015 in Bethelsdorp,” said Naidu.

Police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder.

Investigations are continuing, but at this stage it cannot be determined whether the incident is linked to gang-related violence,” said Naidu.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Celiwe Binta condemned the shooting and appealed to the community to assist the police in reporting the criminal elements that were instilling fear in communities.

“Police visibility will be intensified during this Easter holiday and beyond and those who break the law will be dealt with harshly,” said Binta.

VIA - iol.co.za