Police have launched an investigation into the triple murder in Bethelsdorp.
Image: File
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape has launched a high-priority investigation following a triple murder linked to a violent carjacking and kidnapping in Bethelsdorp.
Three men, aged between 23 and 37, were found dead on Monday morning after being abducted by armed suspects in Kwanobuhle the previous evening.
The provincial police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, stated that the ordeal began on Sunday, April 26, at approximately 8:30pm in Vukukhanya Street.
“It is alleged that the complainant was seated inside a white Mazda 323 with other occupants when they were approached by five unknown males, two of whom were armed with firearms. The suspects allegedly pointed the firearms at the victims and demanded money and cell phones,” Janse Van Rensburg said.
While one victim was left at the scene, the suspects took control of the vehicle and drove off with the remaining three occupants. The hijacked Mazda was later found abandoned in Algoa Road.
This incident follows a series of targeted kidnappings in the Eastern Cape, prompting SAPS to intensify patrols in the Nelson Mandela Bay district. Bethelsdorp and surrounding areas have recently seen an uptick in violent carjacking cases involving armed syndicates.
The search for the victims ended tragically at 11am on Monday, April 27, when police were called to a wooded area near Old Uitenhage Road, Salt Lake, Bethelsdorp.
Officers discovered the bodies of the three males with multiple gunshot wounds; two victims were found together, while a third was located nearby following a trail of blood.
“Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the three deceased are the same victims who were kidnapped during the Kwanobuhle carjacking incident. Cases of carjacking, kidnapping, and triple murder are under investigation. No arrests have been made, and the suspects remain unknown at this stage,” Janse Van Rensburg said.
SAPS is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding the five suspects is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Monde Sithole at 082 457 2812 or the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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