Police in the Western Cape have confirmed the arrest of a suspect linked to the murder of four men in Du Noon during a mob justice attack at the weekend.
The 44-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday.
On Sunday, August 23, police responded to a report of four men who had been assaulted and set alight on an open field along the off-ramp from the N7 highway to Malibongwe Drive in Du Noon.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut, said the incident prompted an intensive investigation by detectives from the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit. The investigation subsequently led detectives to a person of interest after valuable information was pursued.
“On Thursday, detectives, assisted by members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), conducted a tracing operation in Du Noon, which resulted in the arrest of a 44-year-old man,” Traut said.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to establish the circumstances and motive behind the killings.
Police said their investigation would also determine whether other persons may have been involved.
The arrested man faces four counts of murder and is expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Ongoing Investigation
Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele William Dyantyi welcomed the breakthrough and commended the detectives for their efforts in bringing the investigation to this point.
“The brutal manner in which these four men lost their lives is deeply concerning. We welcome this breakthrough, which demonstrates that our investigators remain committed to pursuing those responsible for violent crimes, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding the victims,” Dyantyi said.
The commissioner said he has full confidence in the investigating team to follow all leads and establish the full circumstances surrounding the murders.
“Those who believe they can take the law into their own hands and escape justice should take note that our investigators will pursue them,” Dyantyi said.
IOL