Police have arrested a 28 year old foreign national in connection with the fatal shooting of five young men in Motherwell, a breakthrough investigators say brings authorities closer to justice in one of the province’s most shocking recent violent crimes.
The suspect was apprehended on Friday following an intensive investigation led by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Gqeberha. Detectives tracked the suspect through a tracing operation conducted between Thursday evening and Friday morning, acting on intelligence gathered during the course of the investigation.
The arrest stems from a mass shooting that occurred on May 27 at a residence in Mnenga Street, NU10, Motherwell.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, officers responded to reports of gunfire and discovered five male victims suffering from gunshot wounds inside the house.
“Four victims were found in the lounge area while a fifth victim was located in a bedroom,” Gantana said. “Emergency Medical Services declared three of the victims dead at the scene. Despite resuscitation efforts, a fourth victim succumbed to his injuries, while the fifth victim later died in hospital.”
The deceased were identified as Mpendulo Sjadu, 17, Sonwabise Mkhweta, 17, Luvuyo Crowly, 17, Ibrahim Said, 18, and Vuyisani Pinini, 18.
The killings sent shockwaves through the Motherwell community and renewed concerns about violent crime affecting young people in the area.
The suspect has been charged with five counts of murder and is expected to appear before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata praised investigators for their efforts in securing the arrest.
“This arrest demonstrates the relentless efforts of our detectives to track down those responsible for violent crimes,” Ncata said. “Their professionalism, persistence and tireless work have brought us a step closer to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.”
He added that police remain committed to removing violent offenders from communities and ensuring they face the full might of the law.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a possible motive for the shooting, and investigations are continuing.