Third suspect nabbed for triple murder in Gugulethu; SAPS on manhunt to rearrest two suspects

A 36-year-old suspect linked to the triple murder in Gugulethu on New Year’s Day, will reappear in court next Monday.

Bongani Phillips appeared in the Athlone Magistrates Court on Monday, after he handed himself over to police over the weekend.

‘’The investigation into the triple murder on New Year’s day in Gugulethu and the attempted murder of another victim led to the arrest of a suspect on Saturday 2024-01-06 in Manenberg. Bongani Philipps (36) handed himself over to police after provincial serious and violent crime detectives tightened the net around him. Philipps made his court appearance in Athlone this morning where he faced the murder and attempted murder charges against him, and he will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 2024-01-15,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Meanwhile, police have gone back to the drawing board to rearrest two suspects. The duo appeared in court on Friday, but were released, due to, what the court heard, ‘’technicalities pointed out by the Senior State Prosecutor.’’

‘’This has since been alleviated and warrants for their arrests have been issued. Once arrested, they will join Bongani Philipps in the dock,’’ said traut.

The Western Cape’s Police Oversight & Community Safety MEC, Reagen Allen, has welcomed the hunt for the suspects.

‘’We cautiously welcome this as a full report on why due process were not followed with the first two suspects still outstanding. The manner in which this matter has been attended to leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth. It is important that the outstanding suspects are immediately rearrested, while the necessary remedial steps be instituted where it might be required. SAPS should be a service that act in a professional manner at all times.’’

 

Done by: Mitchum George