Chief Mqhekezweni was murdered and students raped in the Eastern Cape

Police in the Eastern Cape have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in both incidents.

Police in the Eastern Cape have launched a manhunt for suspects involved in the murder of a traditional leader and the rape of five Grade 12 students in the province in the last 24 hours.

Police spokesman Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said that in the first incident, two unknown suspects wearing balaclavas shot dead Nogcinile chief Mtirara at Mqhekezweni Great Place.

“A case of murder has been registered and an investigation team along with forensic experts from Saps (South African Police) are already on the scene. “Detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit lead the team that ensures the arrest of perpetrators.”

“In the second case, in the Mqhekezweni administrative area, five students were raped and robbed at gunpoint. The head of the regional investigation unit for domestic violence, child protection and sexual crimes (FCS) has established a team to investigate and arrest these perpetrators,” Mawisa said.

Investigations

Mawisa said both investigation teams would “leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.”

“Anyone with information that could help trace these suspects is asked to contact our SAPS CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or report to their local police station.”

Provincial Commissioner for Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheli Mene said police were working round the clock to apprehend those behind the attacks in the Bhitya administrative area.

Mass shootings

There have been several mass murders in the Eastern Cape in recent weeks.

Last week, Eastern Cape police said they were investigating five murders after the recovery of five men from gunshot wounds in a shed in the Chris Hania informal settlement in New Brighton.

Police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said New Brighton Saps received a complaint about the shooting at around 9.30pm.

“After the police arrived at the scene, the bodies of five men with multiple gunshot wounds were found. The circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the investigation,” Nkohli said.

Additional reporting by Chulumanco