By Anita Dangazele
Four suspects linked to the killing of 18 people in Lusikisiki on 28 September have been arrested less than 24 hours after their photos were made public on Tuesday.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola thanked communities for helping the police locate the suspects.
“To everyone who shared the suspects’ pictures on social media, and to the journalists and media outlets who played their role, we owe you,” said Masemola.
“This is what the SAPS can achieve when the whole country supports our men and women in blue. Thank you, South Africa, for helping us enforce the law.”
He added that police are not revealing where the suspects were arrested to avoid jeopardising the investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects were arrested in Port Shepstone in the early hours of Wednesday.
“Police received a tip-off from a community member that the wanted suspects were hiding at a rented accommodation at Mkholombe informal settlement in Port Shepstone,” Netshiunda said.
The suspects arrested are Songezo “Mashiya” Vuma, 20, Bonga “Rico” Hintsa, 31, Aphiwe “AP” Ndende, 25, and Lwando Anthony “Abi” Shakes, 31.
A fifth suspect, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, 45, was arrested last week. He appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and withdrew his request for bail.
The state had asked for a postponement, saying they needed more time to arrest additional suspects.
The case was moved to 26 November for further investigation. The four suspects will however appear in court soon.
Pictured above: The four suspects arrested for the Lusikisiki Massacre.
Pictured: SAPS
