SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AND POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL FIREARM

EASTERN CAPE – The Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks based in Bizana has resulted in the arrest of Sonwabo Thukwayo (27) Thandile Mrhwetyana (27) and Avela Luqhide (33) on Saturday, 17 April 2021 for alleged charges of attempted murder of police officials and possession of an illegal firearm.
It is alleged that at about 03:30 am on 17 April 2021 a burglar alarm was triggered at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Lusikisiki. The trio were then seen fleeing the scene and reportedly came across a police patrol van near Teba post office gate. They suddenly opened fire at the police vehicle thus injuring two police officials before disappearing into darkness.
The Bizana Serious Organised Crime Investigation team was alerted to the crime scene. Investigations commenced and within five (5) hours Mrhwetyana and Thukwayo were arrested at a nearby guest house. A handgun with rounds of ammunition was recovered from their hideout. Further investigation resulted in the arrest of Luqhide on the very same day.
The trio appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court on Monday 19 April 2021 and remanded in custody pending ongoing investigations. The next court date is 12 May 2021 for a formal bail application.
The Serious Organised Crime Investigation team is commended by the Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya for dealing with the matter expeditiously.