Port Elizabeth - Police in the Eastern Cape have arrested a 34-year-old Eritrean national on charges of murder and attempted murder following a shooting incident in Port Elizabeth's so-called illicit drug cartel area in Central during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said that it was alleged at around 02:00, four men were at a bar in Parliament Street when an argument erupted between the men and some patrons. One of the suspects then pulled out a firearm and started firing shots in the Q-Bar club.
"Two people, ages unknown at this stage, were shot in the chest and leg respectively, while the third victim was assaulted with the firearm. The suspects then left the club in a silver VW Polo. The scene was attended by the Provincial Gang Investigation Unit," said Naidu.
Police are investigating three cases of attempted murder. Shortly after the incident, while the police were busy at the scene in Parliament street, they received information that the getaway vehicle, the VW Polo was spotted at a nearby hospital.
"Response was immediate and the vehicle was spotted near Standford Road bridge. A 23-year-old man was found lying dead next to the vehicle," said Naidu.
The deceased, a suspect at the Q-Bar shooting incident, was identified as Ghurcjen Fortuin and was allegedly affiliated to the K*kmakers gang. Fortuin sustained a gunshot wound to the side of the chest. Police are investigating a case of murder.
Naidu said the the owner of the vehicle was traced and is currently being detained on charges of murder and attempted murder. It is further alleged that later on during the early hours of Wednesday morning, the suspects were involved in another shooting at a tavern in Kleinskool, Bethlelsdorp, where they allegedly fired in the direction of a house while the owner was asleep.
"The owner retaliated by firing back at the suspects. Police have linked the shooting incidents in Bethelsdorp and Parliament street," she said.
Police are on the manhunt for two more suspects and are appealing to anyone who can assist in the investigation to contact the Provincial Gang Investigation Commander, Lietenunt Colonel Mike Grobler. Mount Road Cluster Commander, Major General Funeka Siganga, commended the investigation team on the swift arrest of the suspect.
"The team has not rested since 2 o' clock this morning and they are still busy with the investigation. We are appealing to the community to work with the police and to report these criminals so that they may be removed from society," said Siganga.