A horrific attack in Eastern Cape’s Tsomo area claimed the life of a 45-year-old shop owner who was doused with diesel and set alight by armed criminals, while his assistant was raped.
Within hours police had rounded up suspects connected to the violent incident.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 36, face multiple charges, including robbery, arson, murder, kidnapping, and rape.
The crime took place in the early hours of Monday, March 17 at a shop in the Luthuli Administration Area, Ntilini Locality.
Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said that the shop owner and his assistant, who is a cashier, were asleep when suspects forced their way inside.
“Upon entering the shop, they allegedly tied both hands of the 45-year-old shop owner, poured diesel on him, and set him alight,” said Mgolodela.
The suspects then allegedly raped the shop assistant, stole groceries, and forced her to provide the PIN for a business cellphone to transfer cash.
“Upon hearing the voices of the community members, the suspects allegedly started to set the business alight and fled the scene on foot, carrying the female victim to a household at Tsomo where the victim was ultimately rescued and taken to hospital for medical and emotional attention,” said Mgolodela.
The shop owner succumbed to his injuries at Butterworth Hospital.
Police have been praised for quickly arresting seven suspects, while an eighth remains at large.
“The arrest of the eighth suspect who is at large is imminent,” Mgolodela confirmed.
District police commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph condemned the attack, urging police to leave no stone unturned to make sure that the outstanding suspect is also brought to book.
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