The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has vowed to clean the province of wild and obsessed murderers. General Ntshinga’s remarks follow after a major breakthrough was made on Friday night 21 May 2021 by an integration of SAPS forces in an intensive operation led by Organised Crime Unit in the area of Engcobo and Cala respectively.
During the operation, two (2) of the three male suspects aged between 23 & 40 were arrested at Xonye Location, Engcobo whilst the third one was arrested at Cala where he allegedly hid himself in a girlfriend’s place. The three are believed to be linked to the recent murder incident which was reported at Bityi at the beginning of the week.
Two motor vehicles believed to have been used in the commission of crime in Bityi were recovered. These include a white Toyota Corolla with false registration plates and suspected to have been hijacked in Idutywa and white VW Polo reportedly stolen in Cambridge. Two 9mm pistol and live ammunition were also recovered, and one of the two pistols was linked to Pretoria Central investigation. One Grey Avanza suspected to be linked to an Idutywa murder case, has also been recovered. Three cases relating to possession of stolen motor vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition were opened.
Speaking after the arrest, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga said, “Just as I said, the police will have the last word in these killings. We cannot have a society that is ruled and ruined by heartless criminals. I confidently said “we shall find them, and last night we did”. I advise the remaining criminals to hand themselves to the police before we get to them.”
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in Bityi magistrate court on Monday the 24th May 2021 once they are charged on three murder cases, house robbery, possession of stolen motor vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Investigation continues. Three more arrests are imminent.
Members of the Community are still warned not to attempt to arrest the remaining suspects as they are believed to be dangerous and armed. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of those responsible for the gruesome murders is requested to make contact with Bityi Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 086 00 10 111. Information received will be treated with strictest confidentiality.
