TWO hitmen (izinkabi) were among the five suspects arrested for the shooting of a lawyer in East London.
According to police spokeswoman, Colonel Priscilla Naidu it was alleged that on Friday, 9 February, the attorney (70) had parked his car and was about to enter his office when two suspects approached him and fired several shots, injuring him in the upper body.
Colonel Naidu said the lawyer was taken to hospital for treatment.
"While police were still at the crime scene, East London Crime Intelligence was already having difficulty gathering crucial information.
"Within an hour and with the assistance of Buffalo City Metro (BCM) District Detective Co-ordinator, their efforts led to the discovery of the silver Mercedes-Benz getaway car in Amalinda and a subsequent arrest of a 42-year-old male, followed swiftly when a second vehicle, a Renault Clio was spotted at a complex on the beachfront," said Naidu.
"Remarkably, another two suspects, aged 35 and 41 (suspected hitmen), were arrested while attempting to flee in a Durban-bound bus.
"The bus was stopped in Mthatha by members from Mthatha Serious and Violent Crimes Unit," Naidu said.
She said on Saturday, 10 February two suspects were arrested at a house in Westville, Durban.
"Two firearms were recovered at a house in Quigney. They'll be sent for ballistics testing.
"All five suspects are detained on charges of attempted murder, and additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds," said Naidu.
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"While police were still at the crime scene, East London Crime Intelligence was already hard at gathering crucial information.
"Within an hour and with the assistance of Buffalo City Metro (BCM) District Detective Co-ordinator, their efforts led to the discovery of the silver Mercedes Benz getaway vehicle in Amalinda and a subsequent arrest of a 42-year-old male followed swiftly when a second vehicle a Renault Clio was spotted at a complex on the beachfront."
Naidu said Observation duties were held while waiting for back-up from the Flying Squad, East London Serious, and Violent Crimes Unit and SAPS Cambridge crime prevention members.
"Remarkably, other two suspects, aged 35 and 41 (suspected hitmen) were arrested while attempting to flee in a bus bound for Durban.
"The bus was stopped in Mthatha by members from Mthatha Serious and Violent Crimes Unit," said Naidu
According to Naidu, on Saturday, 10 February, two suspects (ages unknown) were arrested at a house in Westville, Durban.
"Two firearms were recovered at a house in Quigney. It'll be sent for ballistics testing.
"All five suspects are detained on charges of attempted murder and additional charges may be added as the investigation unfolds," explained Naidu.
