ZWELITSHA – The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso expressed her shock following the murder of seven mourners at a homestead in Bityi, and has immediately directed that a team of all the relevant policing units be assigned to investigate the gruesome incident.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, 16 November 2022 at about 23:30, three (03) unknown armed men forced their way into a homestead in Tantseka Location, Sithebe Administrative Area in Bityi, and opened fire.  It is further alleged that six (06) people succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the seventh victim died in hospital. Circumstances surrounding the incident are forming part of the investigation.

The victims are family relatives aged between 29 and 68, who were in mourning and arranging for the burial of their relative, Novotile Mgxada (62), who was fatally shot last week.

A case of murder (seven counts) was opened for further investigation, and the investigation has been taken over by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit.  Police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Colonel Mtshiyo on 071 475 2292. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service