Police have made a breakthrough in the investigation of a deadly house robbery that claimed the life of a 40-year-old man, Bulelani Dayile, in KwaMaqoma township, near Fort Beaufort. Six suspects were arrested on March 10, 2025, after a swift police operation led to their capture on the N2 highway near Kinkelbos.
Fatal Robbery Turns Deadly
According to Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, the deadly incident unfolded around 5:30 pm on Sunday, when four armed men entered Dayile’s home in Mbewu Street. The suspects opened fire, shooting Dayile while he was seated in his kitchen, before making off with a cellphone. Despite efforts to save him, Dayile succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Swift Response Leads to Arrests
The police quickly circulated a description of the getaway vehicle, a Suzuki Ertiga, to all local police units. By 7 pm that same evening, officers spotted the vehicle on the N2 highway and conducted a stop. Inside the vehicle, they found an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and a stolen cellphone, directly linking the suspects to the robbery and murder.
Charges and Court Appearance
The six men, all aged between 20 and 30, were arrested on charges ranging from murder and house robbery to possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The firearm will undergo a ballistic test to confirm its involvement in the shooting.
The suspects are set to appear before the KwaMaqoma Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, March 13, where they will face a series of serious charges. Police are continuing to investigate the case, with detectives working to profile the suspects and uncover further details.
Commendable Police Coordination
Colonel Andries Landman, the Sarah Baartman District Operations Command Centre Commander, praised the coordinated effort of the police units. He emphasized that meticulous planning and effective resource allocation were key to the successful arrests.
“This is a prime example of how quick, coordinated responses can lead to successful arrests and justice for victims,” Landman added. The investigation is ongoing, and police are hopeful that the suspects’ profiles will lead to additional breakthroughs in the case.
