Murder investigation launched after five bodies found burnt beyond recognition in Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape police have launched an investigation into the murder of five people whose burnt remains were found in a severely damaged vehicle on the R345 road near Crossroads, just outside Peddie.
Provincial police spokesperson, Nobuntu Gantana, said the bodies were discovered on Tuesday after police were called to the scene where they found the charred remains in a damaged car.
“The victims were burnt beyond recognition, and the vehicle itself was severely damaged, rendering it unidentifiable at this stage. The SAPS Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit has been activated to establish the ownership and registration details of the vehicle,” said Gantana.
Gantana added that the motive for the attack remains unknown.
“Due to the severity of the crime, the case has been transferred to the Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.”
Meanwhile, the identities of the five victims remains unknown.
“SAPS appeals to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the victims or shedding light on the circumstances of the incident to come forward.”
“Anyone with information may contact Detective Sergeant Kambela on 073 619 8489 or SAPS Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111. Anonymous tips are welcomed. All information received will be treated with strict confidentiality,” added Gantana.
In another similar case, in the same province, police have launched a manhunt after charred bodies of two teenage girls were discovered in a bushy area of Khayelitsha, Kwanobuhle.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge confirmed that the discovery was made early Wednesday morning near 4th Avenue in Khayelitsha.
Officers from the Kwanobuhle SAPS were alerted at around 8:35 am and responded to the scene, where they found the burnt remains of two young females.
“Upon arrival, members discovered the severely burnt remains of two unidentified females,” said Beetge.
Preliminary investigations suggest the victims are between 17 and 19 years old, although their identities remain unknown.
The motive behind the killings is also unclear and is being actively pursued by detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes unit.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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