Four suspects who were wanted for the mass murder of 18 people have been arrested. The suspects were arrested at a rental house in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu Natal, in the early hours of this morning.

POLICE ACTED ON A TIP-OFF

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation by the Port Shepstone police after receiving information about the suspects. "The police received a tip-off from a community member that the wanted suspects were hiding at a rented accommodation at Mkholombe informal settlement in Port Shepstone. A swift operation was put in motion and the three suspects, aged 22, 24 and 31 years old were arrested," Netshiunda said.

COMMUNITIES RALLIED TOGETHER TO HELP

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athleda Mathe confirmed that another suspect was also arrested this morning making the number of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder, five. Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has also commended the investigating team that has been working on this case for their determination to solve this case. Masemola said the communities rallied together and informed the police about the suspects's whereabouts, less than 24 hours after the SAPS issued an alert on the wanted suspects. Masemola also thanked the media and everyone who shared the wanted suspects' pictures, which he said helped in apprehending the accused. "To those who shared the pictures of these suspects on social media, to all the journalists and media houses that played their watchdog role, we are indebted to you. This is what the SAPS can achieve when the whole country rallies behind our men and women in blue. We thank you South Africa for assisting us to stamp the authority of the state", said Masemola.