File
Eastern Cape police have announced the arrest of four suspects for the murder of seven members of a family in a locality near Bityi on 16 November.
Provincial Police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, said the breakthrough came on Monday when investigators learned that two suspects were due to appear in court in Bityi on charges related to the possession of an unlicensed firearm.
He said one suspect led police to the other suspects who were in Slovo Park where a shootout occurred.
“During the exchange of gunfire, two suspects suffered injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention. One suspect was also arrested during the shooting incident,” he said.
Kinana said four firearms and a toy gun were confiscated and will be sent for ballistic testing.
He said Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene commended the investigating team for the breakthrough in the case.
Police said four men forced their way into a homestead in the Tantseka Location in the Sithebe Administrative Area in Bityi, and opened fire on a group of people preparing for the funeral of a relative, 62-year-old Novotile Mgxada, who was murdered the week before.
Kinana said two of the suspects appeared in court in Mthatha on Tuesday on charges relating to possession of unlicensed firearms.
The case is remanded to 9 December for a formal bail hearing.
All four suspects aged between 24 and 28 are expected to appear in Bityi magistrate court on Wednesday on charges of murder.
Kinana said the investigation continues to establish the motive for the killings.
