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Eastern Cape police have mobilised maximum resources in the search for the suspects involved in two heinous attacks in the Bityi administrative in the last 24 hours.
Police spokesperson Lt Col Siphokazi Mawisa says in the first incident, the mother-in-law to Xhosa traditional leader, Chief Ndaba Mtirara, was gunned down on Tuesday at Mqhekezweni administrative area outside Mthatha by two unknown men wearing balaclavas.
She says a case of murder has been registered, and the investigating team is already on the ground together with SAPS forensic experts.
Lt Col Mawisa says the provincial detectives for the Serious and Violent Crimes unit are leading the team to ensure that perpetrators are arrested.
Meanwhile, in the second incident , police say at least five learners were allegedly raped and robbed at gunpoint – also in the Mqhekezweni Administrative area.
The Provincial Head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Investigations unit (FCS) has assembled a team to investigate.
The ages of girls were not immediately available.
Lt Col Mawisa said both investigation teams would leave "no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice”.
She said anyone with information that can assist in tracing the suspects is urged to contact our SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alternatively report to the nearby Police Station.
