Three people have been taken in for questioning over the mass killing of 18 people in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, last Saturday.
Speaking at a memorial service for the victims on Sunday at the Lusikisiki College of Education, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the arrests.
“We are not too far from arresting the fourth person linked to the murders. The three that have been arrested will be appearing in court on Monday,” he said.
“We will not leave any stone unturned until all those involved are arrested.”
After the memorial, Mchunu told the media that the suspects were also being investigated for other recent murders in the area.
He said more details about the charges would be revealed in court on Monday.
Mchunu added that the motive for the killings is still being investigated.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said a firearm had been recovered from a fourth suspect on Saturday.
“The fourth suspect was arrested but he got away. We’re hot on his heels. We will get him. He’ll be the fourth one with the three that have been arrested.”
The memorial service was attended by several government ministers and deputy ministers.
All the speakers condemned the violence, especially against women and children.
Among the victims were 15 women, a 13-year-old boy, and two men.
The massacre happened at the homes of two sisters, Mary Sinqina and Nancy Sinqina-Mhatu.
Four people were killed at Nancy’s home, while 13 were killed at Mary’s.
The victims were murdered after they had gathered at Mary’s house for a traditional ritual to mark the end of mourning for her daughter, Zinzi Sinqina-Jawuse, 31, and another family member, Nomnikelo Sinqina, 61, who were shot and killed in August last year.
The families will hold private funerals on different dates.
Pictured above: Families of the 18 people who were shot and killed in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, at the memorial service on Sunday.
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This article has been updated.
