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Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene has ordered a multidisciplinary task team to swiftly trace and arrest those responsible for the murders and attempted murders which took place from July 16 to 19 in the KwaNomzano and Arcadia areas in Humansdorp, which has seen six people die, five of which were teenagers.
The District Commissioner Major General Zolani Xawuka and community leaders will be addressing learners, parents, and educators at Humansdorp High School in the hotspot area.
July 19
As previously reported, on July 19, at about 07:50, Juvandre September (17) was fatally wounded while a 12-year-old sustained a gunshot wound in his thigh.
The two teenagers were allegedly seen running from a group of men that were chasing after them and were then shot at in an open space between Besembos Street and Pendoring Street in Gill Marcus.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, on the same day Enrico Schuster (17) from Coetzee Street in Arcadia was chased by a mob of people and was severely beaten, stoned, and stabbed.
“He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The motive for his attack is unknown at this stage and a case of murder is under investigation,” said Naidu.
The two incidents which took place on July 19, was the end to a bloody four days in Humansdorp which began on July 16.
July 16
On July 16, at about 08:30, Naidu said a neighbour found the body of Sandile Ncamani (50) lying on the kitchen floor at his house in Polar Park in KwaNomzamo.
“The deceased’s friend, 52-year-old Khimba Momani was arrested and appeared in the Humansdorp Magistrate's Court on July 18 on a charge of murder. He is remanded in custody,” said Naidu.
On the same day at about 12:00, she said a 17-year-old boy was fatally wounded after he was approached by a group of men.
Naidu said it is alleged an argument ensued and the teenager and his friend were assaulted by four of the men in Donkerhoek.
She said during the altercation, the teenager was shot in his head and arm.
“The friend managed to run away, and police are investigating a case of murder,” said Naidu.
July 17
On July 17, an 18-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound when he was shot in the left shoulder while walking in Sewen De Laan.
She said the suspect, Juvandre Jafta (18) was arrested for attempted murder, has appeared in court, and is remanded in custody.
July 18
The following day on July 18, Colin-Lee Titus (17) was murdered at his house in Maak ‘n Laas at about 08:55.
“A 17-year-old boy was arrested shortly after the incident, he appeared in court and is remanded in custody,” said Naidu.
In another unrelated incident, on the same day, she said a 25-year-old man was fatally wounded while he was standing at the entrance to a shop in Sewen De Laan at about 18:00 during load shedding.
Naidu said the motive and suspects are unknown at this stage.
She said a case of murder is under investigation.
“Police are warning communities to refrain from taking the law into their own hands,” said Naidu.
Mene has made a clarion call to the communities to work together with police in identifying the perpetrators who have caused mayhem and fear in the community.
“It is very disturbing when young children are both victims and perpetrators of crime,” said Mene.
She further said the involvement of the community in providing vital information can significantly increase their chances of solving cases and apprehending suspects.
“The communities might have information that police may not have thus making this information crucial in our investigations,” said Mene.
She said they have put operational interventions in place in the problematic areas with additional manpower such as the Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and the Provincial Organised Crime Anti-Gang Unit.
“Our team of experienced detectives will not rest until these perpetrators are arrested and are behind bars,” said Mene.
“I would also want to warn the communities against mob justice. This form of vigilante behaviour will not be tolerated and those responsible must be identified and arrested."
