Grandma found dead at home

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY operation, conducted by police working together with other external stakeholders in and around the King William’s Town cluster, yielded multiple arrests and the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, drugs and a stolen vehicle at the weekend.

Captain Siphokazi Mawisa said: “Police managed to arrest three suspects for possession of dagga worth more than R3 000 and one suspect for the possession of two 7.65 illegal firearms and two magazines with rounds. “One suspect is still on the run.

“More than 30 suspects were arrested for drunken driving in King William’s Town and Bhisho.”

She said Steve Vukile Tshwete police recovered stolen stationery worth R15 486.94 in a spaza shop in the Frankfort area, following information they received.

Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said festive season operations had received a muchneeded boost from Bhisho [police] college trainees, with more than 200 trainees having been deployed for high visibility in the malls around Mdantsane cluster at the weekend.

“Their deployment will continue every weekend throughout the festive season,” Mbi said.

● Butterworth police are appealing for community assistance following the death of Nowongile Pikoko, a 70-year-old grandmother.

Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said the woman had been killed on Sunday at about 6.30am at her home in Mkhonjane location, Qeqe village, Butterworth.

“She was found by her husband. The deceased was sleeping in a different room from her husband. She had suffered upper body injuries.

“Anyone with information should please contact the Butterworth police at (047) 401-1100 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111,” Manatha said.

Lieutenant general Liziwe Ntshinga, Eastern Cape provincial commissioner, condemned the killing of a “defenceless old woman” and vowed that police would do everything possible to apprehend those responsible.