ENGCOBO – Eastern Cape SAPS detectives are investigating four cases of murder and one of an attempted murder, following a brutal shooting incident involving four people in the early hours of Saturday, 17 September 2022, at Qutubeni Administrative Area, Engcobo.

Reports suggest that SAPS members received a complaint of a shooting incident at Qutubeni. On their arrival at the crime scene, they were shown the bodies of the deceased male persons aged between 39 and 77 lying in the garden, near the graveyard.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the family members were preparing to re-bury the remains of their parents when four unidentified male suspects came and shot four of them. Four of the six people, who were busy exhuming the remains in the garden, have died. Two of the six survived, although one of them, aged 50, suffered serious injuries. He was then rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.

The circumstances surrounding the killings will form part of the investigation. No arrest has been made at this stage. Investigation continues.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has ordered an immediate activation of the 72-hour mobilization plan in order to track, trace and arrest those responsible for the murders.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects, is requested to contact with Engcobo Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service