Eastern Cape mass murder: Manhunt underway for heavily armed suspects

Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene announced that all available resources have been deployed to track down the suspects responsible for the brutal mass murder of community patrollers at Lugongozo Junior Secondary School in Tina Falls, near Qumbu.

Six people were fatally shot, and four were injured on Sunday night, 6 October. 

MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR SUSPECTS BEHIND EASTERN CAPE MASS MURDER 

As per the South African Police Service (SAPS), it is alleged that at around 22:45, a group of at least eight men who were armed with rifles and handguns opened fire on a group of community patrollers. 

Unfortunately, six people succumbed to their injuries, and four victims were rushed to the nearest hospital. 

Police said that the patrollers were at a local school near Qumbu and preparing for their evening patrols when attacked. The unknown suspects are still at large, and a motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage.

Police have urged anyone with information to assist the investigating team to contact a team leader on 082 301 7762. The information may also be shared via the crime stop number on 08600 10111.

Following the incident, Mene said, “We have mobilised maximum resources, and we are concerned that those who are working and assisting the police are being targeted and attacked.  We will do our best to ensure that those who were behind this mass shooting are apprehended.  

“As the service, we condemn this incident, and we also extend our condolences to the families of the deceased persons.  We would also like to wish those injured a speedy recovery,” she said.