Five suspects arrested in connection with murders in KwaThema, Springs and Tsakane
In another event, three men, aged 26, 30, and 41, were shot and killed while five, who were shot by suspects who were shooting randomly, were rushed to hospital for further medical treatment in Lindelani informal settlement.
KwaThema – Five men, aged between 25 and 35, were arrested by the police on Thursday in connection with the murder of eight people in a series of events which took place in Tsakane, Springs and KwaThema during the first week of April.
The arrests come after members of the SAPS and EMPD followed a tip-off, on Thursday, that the suspects were at the Springs Dumpsite.
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Provincial police spokesperson Col Lungelo Dlamini says suspects were confronted by the police after they boarded a taxi to KwaThema.
“During the search on the suspects by the police, they found four unlicensed firearms, including a 9mm pistol, and 61 rounds of ammunition,” said Dlamini.
It is believed that these guns were used to shoot the victims.
The suspects were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Investigations continue to link them conclusively to the murders.
Dlamini says in April two bodies were found, with gunshot wounds, at a dumping site in Springs and two more in Tsakane.
In another event, three men, aged 26, 30, and 41, were shot and killed while five.
Another five, who were shot by suspects who were shooting randomly in Lindelani informal settlement, were rushed to hospital for further medical treatment.
Also Read: Man shot and killed in KwaThema
Dlamini says it is suspected the motive for the attacks was drug related.
“We are still investigating the motive for the shooting and killings, but we are looking at the possibility that some of the killings might be related to rival gangs involved in collecting trash at the Rietfontein landfill and turf war over drugs in KwaThema,” adds Dlamini.
