Suspects to appear in court for Phillipi East murders

Western Cape police have made a breakthrough with the arrests of five suspects in connection with the recent mass killings in Philippi East.

In a statement, SAPS confirmed that four suspects were arrested on Thursday, two of whom are juveniles, following a gruesome attack in September, where two victims were shot and set alight, and a third escaped.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Police said detectives have since connected the case to another brutal mass murder last week, in which seven people were killed and burned. Initially, seven suspects were arrested for the October killings.

‘’Five accused, including the suspects arrested in both cases, are now facing multiple charges of murder and attempted murder. They are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court today, where the two matters will be joined,’’ said Colonel Andrè Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Western Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Advocate) Thembisile Patekile, has commended the investigating team for their persistence and professionalism, noting that their success demonstrates the unwavering commitment of SAPS to bringing perpetrators of violent crime to justice.

“These arrests send a clear message that the South African Police Service will not tolerate barbaric acts of violence that rob communities of their safety and dignity. The dedication displayed by the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit reflects our resolve to hunt down and dismantle criminal groups who terrorise our communities,” said Lt Gen Patekile.

He reaffirmed SAPS’ stance that no act of violence will go unpunished and applauded the courage of the state witnesses who came forward to assist the investigation.

‘’SAPS in the Western Cape remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that perpetrators of heinous crimes are tracked, arrested, and face the full might of the law,’’ said Traut.

 

Done By: Mitchum George