Less than 24 hours after police issued an alert for wanted suspects linked to the recent Lusikisiki massacre, they were arrested hiding at a house nearly 1 000km away in KwaZulu-Natal.
The arrest was executed on Tuesday after a tip-off from a community member which revealed the wanted suspects were at a rented house at Mkholombe informal settlement in Port Shepstone.
Two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village, Lusikisiki were ambushed on September 28, where 18 people were killed and five others injured.
One suspect, 45-year-old Siphosoxolo Myekethe, has appeared in court following his arrest, and on Tuesday police made public the pictures of the outstanding wanted suspects who were described as “dangerous and may be heavily armed”.
“To those who shared the pictures of these suspects on social media, to all the journalists and media houses that played their watchdog role, we are indebted to you. This is what the SAPS can achieve when the whole country rallies behind our men and women in blue. We thank you South Africa for assisting us to stamp the authority of the state”, said national police commissioner Fannie Masemola.
Masemola is expected to provide further details on Thursday during a media briefing in Parliament.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane has lauded the police and the public for their crucial role in the apprehension of the suspects.
“I commend the SAPS for their outstanding work and the community for their co-operation, which led to the swift arrest of those responsible. This achievement reflects our collective commitment to justice and public safety.
This joint commitment has led to a breakthrough in the pursuit of justice,” said Mabuyane.
Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha said the arrest of the four wanted suspects will bring a sigh of relief to affected families.
Meanwhile, Myekethe abandoned his bail application in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. He faces 18 charges of murder in connection with the incident and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said during the brief appearance, Myekethe informed the court that he would not apply for bail.
“The case has been remanded to November 26 for further investigations as there (had been) outstanding suspects on the matter,” said Tyali.
Cape Times