Manhunt for killers

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Thembalethu police have launched a manhunt after two men were shot and killed and two others injured in two separate shooting incidents on Monday evening, 13 May.

Thando Mbambo (36) from Zone 9 in Thembalethu was reportedly on his way home when he was shot and killed in Tabata Street. According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie, eyewitnesses say three suspects were involved in this shooting.

"It is alleged that the men, two of whom had firearms, demanded the victim's firearm, after which he was shot point-blank. He succumbed to a single gunshot wound to his chest. It is believed that the motive could have been robbery of a firearm.

"The deceased's other personal belongings were found on the scene. We believe that the suspects took the deceased's firearm and fled from the scene. The investigation is at an early stage and all clues and information are being followed up," said Pojie.

The body of a man was found in the ravine between Rosedale and Thembalethu on Tuesday afternoon.

Second shooting
Approximately 40 minutes after the fatal shooting in Thembalethu, two men, aged 18 and 19, were hospitalised after being shot in the ravine between Rosedale and Thembalethu next to the N2.

According to initial information, the 18-year-old was found in Rebecca Street in Rosedale where he had collapsed. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen and chest. The second man was found in the ravine with a gunshot wound to his leg.

According to Pojie, preliminary investigations suggest that the victims were on their way from Lawaaikamp to Rosedale when they were ambushed by two armed suspects.

The body is removed from the ravine on Tuesday afternoon. Photos: Kristy Kolberg

Body found in ravine
On Tuesday afternoon, 14 May, the body of a man was discovered by a passer-by in the ravine between Rosedale and Thembalethu. It is suspected that he was also a victim of the previous night's shooting.

It is unclear at this stage whether the incident in Thembalethu is related to the one in the ravine. "Rumours that the two shooting incidents are linked cannot be confirmed. However, all possible scenarios are being investigated," said Pojie.

At the time of going to print the suspects were still at large.