Cops decry deaths, praise tip-offs
POLICE have expressed “deep concern” following reports of seven murders in the Nyanga Cluster on Tuesday night.
Provincial detectives were yesterday combing the crime scenes for clues.
“Plans are also afoot to engage the community of Philippi-East in relation to the recent violent incidents,” said police spokesperson FC van Wyk.
A man was shot dead, allegedly by a group of patrolling residents in Marikana informal settlement, Philippi East, on Tuesday night, according to a resident.
Earlier this month, residents said the necklacing of three suspected robbers was intended to bring the government’s attention to the spike in crime in their area.
“Taking the law into your own hands is not a solution and is an offence punishable by law.” said Van Wyk.
“The police will not hesitate to deal accordingly with those who take the law into their own hands. We are urging communities to report crime to the police and allow the police to do their work.”
Meanwhile, a tip-off led to the recovery of an illegal firearm and ammunition, and the arrest of two suspects, at a spaza shop in Crossroads near Nyanga.
The firearm was recovered by Nyanga police members who were approached by a community member to inform them about a firearm at the shop.
“They found the firearm hidden under crates of bread. Two men aged 28 and 31 were arrested. Community co-operation and partnership policing in the Western Cape once more led to suspects being arrested and illegal firearms and ammunition being taken off the streets,” said Van Wyk.
In Mbekweni, Paarl, a man aged 39 was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition on Tuesday.
Members of the Provincial Tactical Response Team were patrolling when they were stopped by a member of the public who informed them of a suspect carrying a firearm.
“They found people busy offloading stock at a shop. The suspect matched the description and when he saw the police he became nervous and started to run, but members caught him. He was carrying a firearm,” said Van Wyk.