SAPS Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has mobilized all available resources to track down the assailants responsible for the tragic deaths of five individuals in Bityi on the night of October 18, 2024.
The attack occurred around 8:30 PM at Ncenjana Location in the Mthentu Administrative area, where a family was asleep in two separate houses within their yard. It is reported that unknown assailants entered a rondavel, fatally shooting the parents. Following this, they moved to another house, where they indiscriminately opened fire, tragically claiming the lives of three others and injuring two children who managed to escape.
Neighbors were alerted to the scene as the surviving children ran for help, and local police quickly responded. The victims included two males and three females, leaving a profound impact on the grieving community.
Lieutenant General Mene condemned this senseless act of violence, stating, “I have instructed a team of seasoned detectives to work tirelessly until those responsible for this barbaric crime are brought to justice.” She expressed her deepest condolences to the victims’ families and wished a swift recovery to the injured children.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation, reaffirming their commitment to restoring safety and justice in the community. Â Chief Bhovulengwe Mtirara says the killings at Bityi Area has become a norm and has also called for an intervention from the SAPS management. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane stated that he will talk with the president so that soldiers may be deployed in crime infested areas within the province.
