Gugulethu triple murder: Four suspects taken into custody
The four suspects have been linked to two crime scenes in the area.
Image: File
Police in the Western Cape have arrested four suspects, aged 30 to 34, in connection with last week's triple murder in Gugulethu. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that the suspects are also linked to another local murder.
“In the early hours of Friday morning, members attached to the Tactical Response Team, Provincial Crime Intelligence, Crime Intelligence Management and Analysis Centre, and the Serious and Violent Crime unit arrested four male suspects, aged between 24 and 30, who are believed to be linked to both incidents. The suspects were traced and apprehended at an address in Gugulethu,” Traut said.
Police said the arrests stem from two separate but closely linked crime scenes in J Nontulo Street in New Cross.
The first shooting incident took place on March 23.
“Police discovered the bodies of a 25-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman in a backyard dwelling. The victims, who were visiting the premises for a social gathering, were fatally shot without warning,” Traut said.
The second incident took place last week, April 13.
“Detectives responded to another shooting nearby [the first incident], where three victims were found. A 46-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman were discovered inside a bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds, while an unidentified male was found at the front gate with a fatal gunshot wound,” Traut said.
A thorough investigation and intelligence operations extended across the Nyanga policing precinct into Khayelitsha, and officers were able to piece together crucial evidence that linked the group to both crime scenes.
Traut further explained that another suspect, aged 35, was arrested after he was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off.
The firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in the commission of these murders.
“The suspects are expected to appear in court once charged. The investigation remains ongoing. SAPS remains committed to ensuring that those responsible for violent crime are brought to justice and that communities are protected from such senseless acts of violence,” Traut said.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the mobile application, MySAPS.