KWAZULU-NATAL – The communities of Phoenix and neighbouring settlements of Bhambayi, Umaoti and Zwelisha have welcomed the arrests of more suspects for their alleged roles in the July Phoenix murders.

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele on Sunday, 15 August 2021, led a series of feedback meetings in the areas, to provide communities with some updates on investigations by the South African Police Service.

Minister Cele was accompanied by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the provinces MEC of community Safety and Liaison Ms Peggy Nkonyeni as well as the Peace Committee made up of community representatives.

In his address to residents, Cele assured them that police are working tirelessly to bring about justice for the heinous criminal and racists incidents that resulted in brutal killings, injuries and damage to property.

“The team of 31 detectives deployed to investigate these heinous crimes, has to date arrested 36 suspects for the murders of innocent lives in Phoenix. This team is also investigating the role of police in the violence and looking closely into the role also played by seven private security companies operating in the area”

Several firearms have also been confiscated from the private security firms and have been taken in for ballistic analysis, as part of ongoing police investigations.

“It’s always been clear that people want peace but peace goes hand in hand with justice and I believe police have kicked off this process on a high note. The detectives are working closely with the prosecution team to ensure they put together  solid cases that will see those found guilty, being put away for a long time.” – Cele concluded.

Source: South African Police Service