GEORGE NEWS - Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the murders of Reginald Stalmeester (32) and Marcelino Januarie (20) on Sunday 21 July after a surge of recent gang-related incidents in Borcherds.

Edwin Jacobs and Shaun Claassen, both 40, were arrested in connection with the killings that occurred in Spandiel Street on Saturday 13 July.

The first suspect, Tsepho Ditaba (29), was arrested the day after the incident occurred. He was scheduled to appear for a bail application on Tuesday 23 July, but the case was postponed and he will appear together with the two co-accused for their bail applications on Wednesday 31 July.

Stalmeester and Januarie were shot minutes apart at their respective homes.

Stalmeester's body had a gunshot wound to his chest and Januarie was found with gunshot wounds to his chest and arm in his bungalow. At the time of going to print, police had not yet confirmed whether any firearms linked to the killings had been found.

According to residents, two alleged gang members were attacked with pangas by members of a rival gang about a week before the killings. Both survived the attack.

Residents believe that illegal firearms smuggled from Cape Town, rival gangs and criminals re-offending while on correctional supervision are some of the biggest reasons why gang violence in the area is on the increase.

Stalmeester was shot and killed in this corridor between the house and the fence.

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to contact the investigation officer, Warrant Officer Lee-Ann Geldenhuys, on 044 803 3347 or 084 464 6084. Alternatively, the public may share information via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the MySAPS app.

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