In the early hours of Sunday, 19 May 2024, the quiet community of Nxanxashe in Willowvale, Eastern Cape, was shattered by a horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of eight people, including an eight-year-old child.
Willowvale mass shooting: Suspects behind heinous killings still at large
Police received reports of multiple shootings in the Nxanxashe location and found six victims, including five males and a female, shot dead in a Mazda 3 vehicle.
Another victim was discovered about a kilometre away in a Toyota Fortuner.
An abandoned VW Polo with blood stains was also found near the scenes. The deceased ranged in age from eight to 45 years old.
In a statement, Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Nomthetheleli Mene condemned the senseless violence and called for anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Investigation Unit has been tasked with investigating the mass murder.
Lt-Gen Mene recruited Eastern Cape’s most decorated detectives to uncover the truth behind these killings, urging community members to assist with any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“The team of experienced detectives will be working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind these senseless killings. We are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure a thorough and swift investigation. Such level of violence has no place in our society, and it is imperative that we unite to combat such heinous crimes,” she said.
What we know about the victims
The victims of the Willowvale mass shooting have been identified, revealing a tragic loss of life within families and communities.
The deceased in the Mazda 3 included:
- Nkqubela September, 43
- Xolani Klawushe, 23
- Luyolo September, approximately 25 years old, son of Nkqubela September
- Iviwe September, approximately 12 years old, son of Nkqubela September
- Busisiwe September, approximately 35 years old, wife of Nkqubela September
- Lubabalo Khumalo Mazwana, age unknown
The victim found in the Toyota Fortuner was identified as Bongani Maleki from Dutywa.
Four of the deceased in the Mazda 3 were related and from Mthatha, while the other two were friends from Dutywa.
The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning, as the investigation continues to gather information and piece together the events leading to the brutal killings.