Murder suspect arrested
EASTERN Cape police have arrested a suspect following the murder of a 25-year-old man in Holela village, Centane.
The victim, identified as Mpumzi Gcobo, died instantly after he was stabbed in the upper body by the suspect on the day before Christmas.
Butterworth police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said liquor that was allegedly stolen led to the murder of the man.
“It is alleged that the suspect, who is the cousin/brother of the deceased, arrived at the deceased’s home with three friends and questioned the deceased about the liquor he allegedly stole,” Manatha said.
He said a quarrel arose the suspect and the
“The suspect, also aged 25, drew his knife and allegedly stabbed the deceased on his upper body,” he said.
“The suspect then fled the scene but the Centane police traced him and he was arrested later that same day.”
Manatha said the suspect had been charged with murder and would appear before the Centane Magistrate’s Court today.
● In an unrelated incident, Manatha said an 18-year-old suspect was arrested by the Komgha Police at about 3am on Saturday for the rape of a 12-year-old girl.
He said it was alleged the victim was with her friends at a Christmas party at Siviwe Township in Komgha on December 25.
It is alleged that the suspect met the victim at the party and the victim requested a gift from the suspect.
“The suspect told the victim to follow him and fetch the gift at his home, which is also at Siviwe Township in Komgha,” Manatha said.
“Once they were inside the house, the suspect is alleged to have threatened the victim and raped her.”
He said the case was only reported at the Komgha Police Station at about 2am on Saturday but the patrol van personnel acted swiftly and traced the suspect.
“He was found and arrested. He has been charged with rape and will appear before the Komgha Magistrate’s Court on Monday.”
● Police in Zwelitsha arrested a 25-year-old man on Thursday in connection with a housebreaking and theft case that occurred last month at Phakamisa Location outside King William’s Town.
A flatscreen television was allegedly stolen.
King William’s Town police spokeswoman Lieutenant Siphokazi Mawisa said police embarked on a tracing operation in the early hours of Thursday morning and arrested the suspect at his home.
He led police to Zone 8, Zwelitsha where he had allegedly sold the television.
Mawisa said five other suspects aged between 22 and 34 were also arrested during the operation in connection with crimes ranging from theft to malicious damage to property and house robbery.
They will all appear in the Zwelitsha Magistrate’s Court today. — between deceased.