Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has condemned the tragic shooting of four people at an initiation school in Nqamakwe.
It is alleged that at about 01:15 this morning, 5 December 2023, the grandfather of the deceased was alerted of a shooting at an initiation school in Ngcwazi A/A Mntla location. The community went to investigate and found three males aged between 18 and 26 fatally shot. The brother of the deceased males aged 22-years-old sustained a gunshot wound to his upper body and was taken to hospital for treatment.
All three deceased are brothers however two of them aged 18-years-old were initiates while the third aged 26-years-old was not an initiate. In total four brothers were shot (3 died).
The suspect is unknown at this stage and the motive is yet to be established. Police are appealing to anyone who can assist in the investigation to contact SAPS Nqamakwe on 073 272 9874 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
Police are investigating a case of murder(x3) and attempted murder.
COGTA has indicated that the department is working with the SAPS.
Chairperson of the EC House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders Nkosi Moumalanga Gwadiso conveys his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased.
Lt Gen Mene has called on the communities to work with police in swiftly apprehending the suspect. ‘The police are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and we will do everything in our power to ensure accountability for this heinous act. The loss of young lives especially from one family, is devastating and we convey our condolences to the family. Let us unite in ensuring justice for the victims and preventing such tragedies in the future. We urge the communities to come forward with any information that can assist in solving these murders and an attempted murder,’ added Lt Gen Mene.