KARIEGA - MANHUNT LAUNCHED AFTER 6 GUNMEN STEP INTO KWANOBUHLE TAVERN AND OPEN FIRE KILLING 3

Police are on the hunt for more suspects allegedly involved in a shooting incident which left three people dead yesterday afternoon, 30 October 2021, in Kwanobuhle.

It is alleged that at about 14:50, police were alerted to the shooting at a tavern in Jongilanga Street in Kwanobuhle. It is further alleged that about six suspects entered the tavern and opened fire at the patrons. Three males aged between 25-35 years old were fatally wounded. The suspects then drove off in a Quantum taxi.

SAPS Kwanobuhle police officials who were oblivious of the incident at the time were patrolling when the Quantum drove by in Mango Road and opened fire at the officials. 

No one was injured and the Quantum drove off.

Backup was requested and an intensive search for the suspects was launched.  

As police were driving in Jafta Street, they noticed a group of about six males walking with firearms. 

The officers immediately gave chase and with the assistance of metro police officials they successfully apprehended two suspects (aged 25 and 32). Three 9mm firearms and ammunition were also seized. The two suspects were detained on charges of possession of prohibited firearms, illegal possession of ammunition and attempted murder.  The serial numbers of the firearms were filed off. Detectives will be probing a possible link to the murders.

The names of the deceased persons will be released after a formal identification is done on Tuesday, 02 November 2021.

The Provincial Organized Crime Investigation in Gqeberha are investigating three counts of murder and two cases of attempted murder.

The firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.

The search for the outstanding suspects are continuing and detectives are following up on all possible leads. The motive for the senseless murders is yet to be established. Police investigations continue.

Anyone who has information that can assist police in their investigation in tracking and tracing the suspects is asked to contact Provincial Organized Crime Investigation, Detective Warrant Officer John Lourens on 071 352 4706 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous. 

SAPS