Durban:A suspect linked to the killing of nine people in Sydenham in October 2021 is scheduled to appear at the Durban Magistrate's Court on Friday, 25 September.
According to South African Government News Agency, the suspect was apprehended in the Obuka area in Melmoth, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday night by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The incident in question occurred on 16 October 2021, when six individuals were shot dead at a house in the Palmiet Road Informal Settlement in Sydenham. On the same day, three additional victims were killed in two separate incidents nearby, reportedly by the same group of suspects.
The investigation was undertaken by the Murder and Robbery Unit, which identified two suspects. One suspect was located in Empangeni but resisted arrest and was fatally shot during a confrontation with the police. The second suspect managed to evade capture briefly but was eventually located and arrested in Melmoth.
The suspect will face multiple murder charges when he appears in court.
In a related case, the Murder and Robbery Unit is also investigating the deaths of eleven people who were shot in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha on Tuesday night. Detectives are actively pursuing several leads and are optimistic about impending arrests.
Police have urged anyone with pertinent information to aid the investigation to reach out to the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or contact their nearest police station.