Johannesburg,South Africa

The police at OR Tambo District in Eastern Cape has confirmed that arrested five suspects linked to murder of Gcinithemba Ndila(50) who was shot in Lusikisiki last week.

According to police statement,a task team that is forming part of the OR Tambo District deployment to fight taxi-related violence made a breakthrough,after five men including a suspected hitman were nabbed for their alleged involvement in the murder of Gcinithemba Ndila(50),who was fatally shot in Lusikisiki last week.Police also seized two firearms including an automatic R4 rifle with ammunition during an intelligence driven operation in the OR Tambo Ditrict.

Police said following the recovery of Ndila's body in Lusikisiki on Tuesday,10 September 2024 with gunshot wounds,an intelligence information led to an operation that stretched over two days.

Police reported that the first suspect was arrested in just two days after the murder and Ndila's cellphone was found,and other suspects were arrested which are suspected that played a crucial role on the assassination of Gcinithemba.

"The first suspect was arrested on Thursday afternoon 12 September 2024,and he led the police to his residence,where two firearms,a Star 9mm pistol with ammunition and an automatic rifle with ammunition were found.He was charged for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition(two counts).A task team is processing forensic evidence that could possibly link him in several taxi-related shooting incidents.Ndila's cellphone was also recovered.

Preliminary investigation led to the arrest of four other suspects for Ndila's murder.A total of five suspects were arrested aged between 25 and 32,and are due to appear in the Lusikisiki Magistrate's Court on Monday,16 September 2024 to face charges of murder,with one of them to face additional charges related to the Fireams Control Act,"concludes police statement.

The Eastern Cape's South African Police Service(SAPS) Provincial Commissioner,Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has praised police force for a swift arrest of the most-wanted suspects which are linked to various taxi-killing.

Lt Gen Mene said this is an excellent team effort.We will not allow lawlessness in the province.We are closing in on the syndicates,who are believed to be behind taxi violence.