By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Another four suspects have been arrested in connection with the mass shooting at a birthday party in KwaZakhele, Gqeberha.
The men were arrested on Monday night in Peelton township, Qonce.
This brings the number of arrests to five.
The arrests came after the lead investigator received information about the whereabouts of four outstanding suspects who had escaped during the arrest of the first suspect in Walmer.
Eastern Cape Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene,has commended the arrest of four dangerous suspects.
They were arrested by the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, in conjunction with the Provincial Tracking Team.
Eight people were shot dead and three others seriously wounded on 29 January 2023, when two armed men entered a property in Makanda Street and opened fire at those attending the birthday party.
According to information received, the four fugitives, aged between 30 and 34, were found hiding in Peelton, said Mene.
“The first suspect to be arrested, Mzwandile Mahambehlala (33), is currently in St Albans Prison and due to return to court on Monday, 3 April 2023 for a formal bail application, whilst the latest suspects will be transported to Gqeberha where they will be detained,” Mene added.
They are expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 30 March 2023.