The Barberton SAPS has arrested four suspects in connection with alleged gang-related killings that claimed two lives. The major breakthrough occurred today, October 17, when the suspects, aged between 25 and 28, were arrested in connection with last week’s alleged gang-related fight that claimed the lives of two young men, one aged 18. The other, whose age is currently unknown, has yet to be identified.

A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the deadly battle reportedly broke out on October 14 between gang rivals, resulting in two succumbing to their injuries.

“The incident occurred around 08:30. A group of about 20 people were on their way to dig a grave in preparation for a funeral in Umjindini Trust in Barberton, which was planned to take place on Saturday October 15, after a bereaved family had lost their loved one.

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“It is said that before they could reach the graveside, a scuffle broke out in which shots were fired. Some of those who were there are said to have run for cover, but at the end, two young men were shot. One succumbed on the scene, while the other died in hospital. One was identified by his family as Thembinkosi Ngobese, aged 18. The second victim has yet to be identified by his family,” Mohlala said.

He said a case with two counts of murder was opened, and the police immediately began with their investigations. They worked around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators were swiftly brought to book.

The team cornered the four suspects hiding at a certain house in Umjindini Trust in the Mangozeni area of Barberton. The police found a 9mm Z88 pistol with its serial number filed off. A total of 11 live rounds of ammunition, four butcher knives and a golf club were seized. The firearm will undergo ballistic testing,” Mohlala said.

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The suspects are facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, as well as possession of a dangerous weapon, and will possibly be linked to the two counts of murder. The four are due to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday October 19.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, used the arrest as an opportunity to reassure the public of the capability and expertise that the SAPS possesses in order to deal effectively with crime.