Foreign national held after five killed in Gqeberha

A 28-year-old foreign national has been arrested for the brutal murder of five teenagers at a house in Gqeberha.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said he was arrested on Friday.

“Acting on intelligence gathered during the probe, detectives conducted a tracing operation from the evening of Thursday to the morning of Friday, resulting in the successful apprehension of the suspect,” Gantana said.

Gantana said detectives had been hunting the suspect since the massacre at a house in Mnenga Street, Motherwell last month. 

Four victims were in the lounge and a fifth was found in a bedroom.

Emergency Medical Services declared three victims dead at the scene. 

A fourth victim died there despite resuscitation efforts. 

The fifth victim was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.

They have been identified as Mpendulo Sjadu, 17, Sonwabise Mkhweta, 17, Luvuyo Crowly, 17, Ibrahim Said, 18, and Vuyisani Pinini, 18.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata commended the investigating team. 

“This arrest demonstrates the relentless efforts of our detectives to track down those responsible for violent crimes," he said.

"Their professionalism, persistence, and tireless work have brought us a step closer to ensuring justice for the victims and their families. 

"We remain committed to removing violent offenders from our communities and ensuring that they are brought before the courts."

The suspect has been detained on five counts of murder and is expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

IOL