Four arrested for mass murder in Thantseka

Four male suspects who are suspected of killing family members in Thantseka Village on February 2, 2023, in Bityi have been arrested by the police.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the suspects entered a homestead in Thantseka on the night of the incident at around 8pm and fatally shot an elderly woman (62), along with her grandson (13). They continued on to a second homestead a short distance away, where they shot and killed the elderly woman’s daughter (44).

According to Kinana’s report, the Serious and Violent Crimes and Tracking Team got information on Wednesday, February 14, at 1pm, which resulted in the arrest of the accused 26-year-old male suspect at Mabeleni Locality in Mthatha.

“On Sunday, February 19, the investigation led the team to the arrest of a 37-year-old male suspect at Phingilili Locality in Mthatha. On Thursday, February 23, the detectives in concert with crime intelligence followed up on information which led them to Rustenburg to trace the two outstanding suspects.

“Subsequently, at about 11pm the information yielded positive results as it led the team to the arrest of two 38-year-old male suspects at Seraleng Location in Rustenburg,” said Kinana.

Two 9mm pistols, as well as live ammunition and magazines, are said to have been seized. There was also the recovery of a vehicle that was allegedly used in the crime.

On Thursday, February 23, two suspects, Ntlangiso Aphelele Dumo (26) and Chwayitile Mthetheleli (Mtheza) (37) arrested in Mthatha villages, appeared in court on murder charges.

Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, the commissioner of the Eastern Cape, praised the police on their investigation’s breakthrough. “During my visit to the affected families, I made a firm commitment that my police officers are not going to sleep until the culprits are found.

“I am on record as having made it clear that the process of investigation seems longer, but it guarantees positive outcomes such as the breakthrough we have made in Bityi. Now we must allow those who murdered innocent people to face justice in the courts of law,” said Mene.

The case has been postponed for a formal bail hearing on March 23, 2023. They continue to be in police custody.

The most recent two suspects to be arrested were scheduled to appear in Bityi Magistrate court on Monday, February 27, however the hearing has been postponed until March 6 due to a sick suspect. Charges of murder and having unlicensed ammunition and firearms will be brought against the suspects.