GQEBERHA – The Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) arrested a further two suspects today, 8 September 2021 for the triple murder which took place on 2 April 2021 outside the ticket offices of a bus company in Storey Street in Perridgevale.
It is alleged that on 2 April 2021 at about 16:15, Davedene Van Zyl (21) and Johannes Bruintjies (36) were fatally wounded after exiting the offices of the bus company. Ms Van Zyl collapsed close to the office while Mr Bruintjies collapsed in the premises of a shopping centre. An innocent bystander, Fortune Nyathi (28) was also fatally shot by stray bullets as he left a supermarket. All three deceased sustained multiple gunshot wounds. It is further alleged that the suspects fled in a silver grey Honda Civic.
Soon after the shooting, SAPS Mount Road members spotted a silver grey Honda Civic driving in Burt Drive in Newton Park with no registration plates. They followed the vehicle and as they tried to pull it over, it sped away. Approximately 5 males were in the vehicle. During the ensuing chase, a firearm was tossed out of the vehicle in Searle Road. The vehicle crashed into a lamppost in Neave Street in Shauderville. All five occupants got out and ran in different directions.
Anti-Gang Unit members assisting SAPS Mount Road, spotted two males both with firearms running across Highfield Road. They chased after them and apprehended them in Peddie Street in Korsten. Two firearms (a revolver and a 9mm pistol) were recovered. The vehicle was reported as stolen in Humewood earlier in the day.
Suspects Jody Cloete (29) and Neaven Du Preez (36) were detained on charges of murder x 3, attempted murder x 2 (shooting at police officials), illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen vehicle and reckless and negligent driving. Their next court appearance is on Friday, 10 September 2021.
On Wednesday, 8/09, the investigating officer, D/Sgt Xolani Sokanyile arrested Justin Van Rensburg (28) and Austin Augustus (25) at St Alban’s prison on charges of murder x 3, attempted murder x 2, possession of stolen vehicle and reckless and negligent driving. They appeared in the Gqeberha magistrate court and are remanded in custody until Friday, 10 September 2021.
Both suspects are also awaiting trial for separate murder cases allegedly committed in Bethelsdorp in July 2021 and May 2020 respectively.
Source: South African Police Service