Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced the arrest of three suspects linked to the Lusikisiki massacre that claimed 18 lives in the Eastern Cape.
A total of 15 women and three men lost their lives. The youngest victim was a 14-year-old boy.
Mchunu made the announcement on Sunday after joining scores of relatives, loved ones, neighbours, church members and more at the mass memorial service where the victims were remembered.
“Three people have been arrested, they were nabbed due to dedicated and expert police officers led by National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Authorities are closing in on a fourth suspect, whose name and surname are already known to the police,” said Mchunu.
The suspects were scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Mchunu said police will update the nation about the status of the investigations in due course.
Last Tuesday, the police had taken in one person for questioning.
“The person that we said was a person of interest who was questioned by police on the Lusikisiki massacre was released after being thoroughly dealt with,” said Mchunu.
David King, a relative of Ruth King, one of the victims, said they attended a few meetings with the authorities to discuss logistics about the memorial service and funeral preparations.
“They haven’t confirmed anything because they are to speak to directors of parlours. They are going to come back and inform us. We do appreciate it since there have been groceries that families received which have assisted greatly. Families have been able to serve food to people who came to support,” said King.
He said his family members are traumatised and have sleepless nights.
“The wife of my brother, who is the mother of Ruth, was in the next room when she was killed. She was helpless, there was nothing she could do to help her daughter. I think that is what is killing her, that she failed her daughter, she couldn’t save her life,” said King.
Eastern Cape acting Community Safety HOD Zukile Kani, in an interview with Newzroom Afrika on Sunday morning, said the person that was being questioned has provided information on the mass shooting.
“I can safely say the person of interest being questioned by the police has given information that is being validated to prove its reliability. However, there are people on the ground who are tracking and tracing the names that have been provided. We are hoping that as soon as possible, we will receive a positive response in terms of arrests,” said Kani.
The tragedy follows another devastating shooting on August 15, 2023, which claimed the lives of Nomnikelo Sinqina, 61, and her pregnant niece Zinzi Sinqina-Jawuse, 31.
The Star