CRIME SCENE: Willowvale, Eastern Cape: The police have arrested several suspects and confiscated unlicensed firearms following a spate of murders in the area.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the arrest of four suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during a four-day intelligence-driven operation in Willowvale.

One of the suspects is expected to be linked to several serious and violent crimes in the Amathole District.

SAPS said members of the Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT) operationalised intelligence and targeted several residences.

“On Tuesday evening, 20 October 2026, the team searched three different houses in Mevana locality, Willowvale, where three suspects, including a 60-year-old man, were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms. 

“In a separate incident, on Sunday, 18 October 2026, the same members arrested a suspect for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Mdladleni locality, Willowvale,” said SAPS.

The Acting Amathole District Commissioner, Brigadier Zinikele Freddie, is urging the community of Willowvale and surrounding areas to work with the police to curb the spate of multiple killings.