EAST LONDON - In a swift response to a brazen shooting, Eastern Cape law enforcement officials have arrested five individuals linked to the attempted murder of a well-known attorney in Vincent, East London, this past Friday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, the attorney was ambushed and shot by two individuals as he was about to enter his office on Friday morning around 09:48. The lawyer sustained injuries to his upper body and was promptly hospitalized. Police, acting on intelligence, managed to track down the suspects' silver Mercedes Benz escape vehicle in Amalinda shortly after the incident. This initial arrest led to the rapid apprehension of four additional suspects in connected locations and scenarios.
The first suspect, a 42-year-old male, was arrested in connection with the getaway car. Following this, law enforcement officials, waiting for reinforcement, spotted a second vehicle involved, a Renault Clio, at a beachfront complex. In a dramatic turn, two more suspects, aged 35 and 41, were captured on a bus destined for Durban in Mthatha by the Mthatha Serious and Violent Crimes Unit. Early on Saturday, two further suspects were arrested in a Westville, Durban residence.
Police also seized two firearms from a house in Quigney, which are set to undergo ballistic testing. The five individuals are currently being held on attempted murder charges, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses. The motive behind the attack is still under review, and the suspects are expected to face court proceedings shortly.
Lt Gen Mene praised the coordinated effort and dedication of the officers involved in the arrests, highlighting the exceptional teamwork between the Buffalo City Metro District Detective Coordinator, East London Crime Intelligence, East London and Mthatha Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, SAPS Cambridge and East London Flying Squad. Mene emphasized the force's dedication to justice, noting the sensitivity of the ongoing case and withholding further details for the time being.