Six murdered at suspected drug den, three-year-old child survives

A three-year-old child is the sole survivor of a murder spree that left six people dead at a house in New Brighton, Eastern Cape.

Some victims were shot, while others were stabbed.

The unharmed child was allegedly found next to the body of their mother, who had been shot twice in the head.

The murders took place at the Ramba Street house in the early hours of Saturday.

Colonel Priscilla Naidu, Eastern Cape police spokesperson, said neighbours reported hearing gunshots between 01:00 and 02:00.

Just before 07:00, neighbours went to check nearby houses, and found the bodies of six people at one of these houses.

“Another female was found in the kitchen and another in the bedroom. The female in the bedroom had a three-year-old child with her, who was unhurt. All the deceased are aged between 25-35.

“Some of the victims were shot and stabbed while others were shot only,” Naidu said.

According to Naidu, allegations are that the late owner of the house was a mechanic who worked on cars at his home. At this stage it’s not yet known if he was related to the mother and her child.

She said another allegation was that the house was a drug den.

“The identity of the suspects and motive for the shootings are unknown at this stage.

Naidu said while the names of four of the deceased have been withheld until their names have been verified by next of kin, two of the deceased are still unknown.

The provincial organised crime investigation unit in Gqeberha is investigating six counts of murder.

Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, has immediately implemented a 72-hour activation plan to find the killers.

She has also appealed to the community of New Brighton to work closely with police in identifying and speedily arresting those responsible for the “gruesome murders”.

“The 72-hour activation team will be working around the clock to gather information and evidence to identify those responsible for committing such heinous murders,” said Kupiso.

Police are urging anyone who can assist in the investigation to contact Colonel Willie Mayi on 082 697 5914 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.

All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous, said police.

NEWS24