The 72-hour activation of maximum resources by the South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in the King Cetshwayo District in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) yielded positive results when three suspected hitmen were arrested for kidnapping, murder, attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition on Monday night (May 6).
In the early hours of Friday May 3, two suspects stormed into a house in the Cinci area in KwaMbonambi and masqueraded as police officers, said Provincial Commissioner of KZN Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“The suspects demanded a firearm and money from the owner of the house before forcing him to leave with them. Few moments later the brazen suspects went back to the same house and kidnapped the victim’s wife. The woman was later found dumped at the Mposa area with a gunshot wound to her face and she was rushed to the nearby clinic for medical attention. The suspects then shot and killed the husband and his body was found dumped in the bushes,” said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
Relentless efforts by police officers led the team to Highflats and Umlazi where three suspects were cornered and arrested, said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. He said they were found in possession of three firearms and ammunition of various calibre of firearms. A vehicle, which was used as a getaway from the crime scene, was also recovered and seized.
Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has applauded the efforts of police officers who continue to pull out all the stops in the quest for justice.
“We cannot have criminals running the show. We cannot afford to have our communities living in fear because of self-proclaimed kingpins of the criminal world. Police are here to prevent and combat crime. This arrest is a proof that should a crime happen, our reactive capacity is up to the task and no criminal will have a peaceful sleep”, said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
