The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation Unit in the Eastern Cape has made a significant breakthrough in the murders of seven people who were senselessly shot and killed in the early hours of Sunday morning, 19 May 2024.
Incident Details: It is alleged that six occupants (5 males including a child, and a female) were mercilessly shot in their Mazda 3 vehicle, while another person was found dead about a kilometre away in a Toyota Fortuner in the Nxanxashe location in Willowvale.
The deceased were later identified as:
- Nkqubela September (43)
- Xolani Klawushe (23)
- Luyolo September (approx. 25 years old, son of Nkqubela September)
- Iviwe September (approx. 12 years old, son of Nkqubela September)
- Busisiwe September (approx. 35 years old, wife of Nkqubela September)
- Lubabalo Khumalo Mazwana (age unknown)
- Bongani Maleki (age unknown, found in the Toyota Fortuner) from Dutywa.
Four of the deceased in the Mazda 3 are related and from Mthatha, while the other two are friends from Dutywa.
Investigation and Arrests:
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit worked tirelessly in pursuit of the suspects involved in these callous and merciless killings. On Thursday night, 23 May 2024, three suspects were arrested in the Western Cape.
The arrests followed a tip-off regarding the suspects’ whereabouts. Suspects, aged between 33 and 34 years old, will appear in the Willowvale Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 May 2024, on charges of murder.
Lt Gen Mene commended the excellent teamwork and diligent investigation that led to the swift arrest of the three suspects.
“The collaboration and efforts displayed by the team have been exemplary, and it is through such that we can ensure the safety and security of our community. We assure the residents of Willowvale that we will not tolerate criminals who believe that they can commit such atrocious acts with impunity.” – Source
