All four suspects wanted for their alleged involvement in the Lusikisiki mass murders have been apprehended, less than 24 hours after the South African Police Service (SAPS) issued an alert on them.

The SAPS identified the suspects on social media on Tuesday, requesting that the public assist in finding them. The following morning, police in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that three of the suspects were traced to a rural part of Port Shepstone.

“Police received a tip-off from a community member that the wanted suspects were hiding at an informal settlement in Port Shepstone. A swift operation was put in motion and the three suspects, aged 22, 24 and 31 years old were arrested,” noted KwaZulu-Natal Police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda.

SAPS National spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, later confirmed that all four suspects were arrested.

SAPS National Commissioner, Fannie Masemola, praised the swift response from communities, media outlets, social media users and police.

“To those who shared the pictures of these suspects on social media, to all the journalists and media houses that played their watchdog role, we are indebted to you. This is what the SAPS can achieve when the whole country rallies behind our men and women in blue. We thank you South Africa for assisting us to stamp the authority of the state.”

The group is accused of killing 18 people in two homes in a part of the Eastern Cape town, known as Ngobozana, in late September.

Only one man has thus far been to court for the killings, having appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrates Court on Tuesday. During proceedings, it was found that 45-year-old Siphosoxolo Myekethe was a repeat offender. He is said to have been on parole for the murder of a police officer in 2000.

READ MORE: A breakthrough in the Lusikisiki mass murder case

Most of the victims in the mass shooting were laid to rest at the weekend.