Western Cape SAPS spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potwela, has confirmed to SmileFM that a 26-year-old has been charged with murder, in connection with the three murders and other violent crimes committed in Kraaifontein in the early hours of Sunday. 

The violence began at about 01:00 in the Mhongqo informal settlement in Wallacedene, where a 35-year-old man was gunned down. Moments later, approximately 30 metres from the first scene, another man was shot and wounded, while his female companion was raped. 

Shortly after that, at around 03:14, two men aged between 25 and 30 were shot dead near the earlier incidents. 

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Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed the scope of the crimes, saying that three counts of murder, an attempted murder, as well as a rape count is being investigated.  

Potelwa advised overnight that a 25- and 26-year-old from Kraaifontein were brought in questioning in connection with the crimes. She advised that only the 26-year-old was formally charged. He is appearing in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

“Investigators are hard at work pursuing specific leads that relate to the shooting incidents,” confirmed Potwelwa. 

Meanwhile, following initial reports of the incidents, Potelwa said additional officers were deployed to Wallacedene. 

“As the investigations are gaining momentum it is anticipated that a breakthrough will be made in due course,” Potelwa told SmileFM.

*This article has been updated to include the latest arrest in the matter.