Durban — A double murder suspect was among three people arrested with five firearms earlier this week.
The trio are expected to appear in court on Thursday (today).
Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said on Tuesday information was received about firearms at a house in Bluff, south of Durban. An operation was put in place by the eThekwini District Task Team, Brighton Beach detectives and security personnel.
“The team pounced on the property in Bluff, where three pistols, a revolver and a shotgun were recovered. Police also seized 119 rounds of ammunition from the suspects as well as 190 pieces of rock cocaine and two police scanners,” Ngcobo said.
“Three suspects, aged between 16 and 23, were placed under arrest for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition as well as possession of drugs.”
She said that during the arrest, it was established that one of the suspects was wanted in a double murder case that occurred in Newlands East, north of Durban, last month.
Ngcobo said that on September 7, Newlands East police received a report of a shooting on Kantonkel Avenue and proceeded to the scene. On arrival, they received information that four family members were seated in the vehicle at their home when they were attacked by three unknown men. They opened fire, fatally wounding two people aged 22 and 55 and injuring two. The injured victims were taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Murder and attempted murder charges were opened for investigation.
“The matter is investigated by the Hawks,” Ngcobo said.
She said the suspects are appearing before the Durban Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday).
Last month, the Daily News reported that Patricia Simelane, 55, and her son Spha Simelane, 22, later died of gunshot wounds. Kehla Simelane is believed to be in a critical condition in the hospital, while his girlfriend (name unknown) was wounded in her hand.
The Simelane family declined to comment on what transpired.
Neighbours said they had taken cover during the shooting.
A source close to the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the family had completed a ceremony for Menzi Simelane, who was shot dead outside the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court recently.
“They were returning from the shop, followed closely by a car. When the Simelanes stopped outside the house to turn into an uncompleted double garage, they were shot. The vehicle was riddled with bullets,” said the source.
Daily News