The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has immediately ordered the implementation of the 72-hour activation plan following the senseless killing of three people and the attempted murder of another three males at a tavern in Mqekezweni Administrative area in the Polela locality in Bityi last night, 06 October 2022.
It is alleged that at about 19:00, on the abovementioned date, the patrons were drinking on the veranda of the tavern when three unknown males arrived. The first deceased, aged 26, who was on the veranda, was approached and he was shot multiple times. The rest of the patrons were ordered to lie on the floor.
The suspects then went inside and a further two people, aged 31 and 41 were fatally wounded. Three other people, aged between 23 and 29 also sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
At this stage the motive for the shootings is unknown. The suspects are also unknown.
SAPS Bityi detectives are investigating three cases of murder and three of attempted murder. Anyone who can assist in tracing the suspects is asked to contact SAPS Bityi, Detective Captain Mluleki Ngqeleni on 072 730 7381 or Detective Sergeant Bonginkosi Madikazi at 082 442 0585 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner is calling on the communities to work with the police in swiftly identifying and apprehending the suspects. ’We urge you to be our eyes and ears on the ground because, as community members you know and see everything that is happening in your communities. These senseless and cruel acts of violence are purely criminal and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Criminals thrive in communities where their actions are tolerated therefore together let us stamp out crime wherever it resides. We dare not allow criminals and crime to inflict fear in our communities. With the implementation of the 72-hour activation plan, we will not rest until these suspects are found and arrested,’ added Lt Gen Mene.
