The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla has expressed shock and dismay at the brutal killing of five people at Zwelitsha Locality, Saturday evening 23rd October 2021 in Katkop. He condemned the killings and described them as “heartless and insensitive.”

According to the information, on Friday, 22 October 2021, the family had a traditional wedding engagement ceremony for one of the deceased. The report further suggests that the family gathered again on Saturday to wrap up and conclude the ceremony.

It is alleged that whilst the five deceased men aged between 30 and 50 were sitting in one of the rondavels in the homestead, unidentified male suspects appeared and started shooting and killing all of them at the scene. They thereafter disappeared without trace. The number of the suspects is also unknown.

The motive for the shooting and killings is not known at this stage, however the police have registered five murder cases for investigation. No arrest has been made at this stage. Major General Dladla has ordered the establishment of a special task team of capable investigators to trace, track and arrest the culprits. A 72 hour mobilization plan has also been activated in order to rally all the necessary resources for a possible speedy arrest of the suspects.

Anyone with information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects is kindly requested to please make contact with Katkop Police Station or call the investigating officer Colonel Mtshiyo at 071 475 2292 or dial 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service