SAPS sets record straight on viral Kwazakele arrest posts

The Eastern Cape police have dismissed viral social media posts claiming that four men from Gqeberha are wanted for murder, saying the suspects are already in custody and face house robbery charges.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said seven suspects, aged between 18 and 21, were arrested in connection with a house robbery in Kwazakele on 13 September 2026.

Police said the arrests stem from an incident on 12 September at about 20:45 in Maronga Street.

According to police, two children were robbed of their cellphones in the street by a group of 11 suspects, one of whom was allegedly armed with a firearm.

The children then ran home, but four of the suspects allegedly followed them to the house.

Police said a house robbery subsequently took place, during which the children's mother was allegedly forced to use her banking application, while a laptop was stolen.

The seven suspects appeared in the New Brighton Magistrates' Court on 15 September. Their next appearance for a formal bail application is scheduled for 29 September.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the suspects were not wanted for murder and were not at large, contrary to claims circulating on social media.

Police urged members of the public not to share unverified information that could cause unnecessary panic or prejudice the ongoing court proceedings.