Suspects arrested for shooting of East London lawyer within 24 hours

Less than 24 hours after an incident that sent shock waves through the city, five suspects — including two suspected hitmen — were arrested at the weekend after a prominent attorney was shot and wounded in Vincent, East London on Friday.

The victim, 70-year-old Camagu Maseti, was reportedly wounded in his upper body after two suspects fired several shots at him.

He was rushed to hospital after the brazen attack.

He had parked his car at the law firm Maseti Incorporated and was about to enter the office shortly before 10am when the incident happened.

On Sunday, police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said while police were still at the crime scene, East London crime intelligence was already hard at work gathering crucial information.

“Within an hour and with the assistance of Buffalo City Metro district detective co-ordinator, their efforts led to the discovery of the silver Mercedes-Benz getaway vehicle in Amalinda.

“The subsequent arrest of a 42-year-old man followed swiftly when a second vehicle, a Renault Clio, was spotted at a complex on the beachfront,” Naidu said.

“Observation duties were held while waiting for backup from the flying squad, East London serious and violent crimes unit and SAPS Cambridge crime prevention members.”

Two more suspects, aged 35 and 41, believed to be hitmen, were arrested while attempting to flee in a Durban-bound bus.

“The bus was stopped in Mthatha by members of the Mthatha serious and violent crimes unit,” Naidu said.

“At about 4am on Saturday, a further two suspects [ages unknown] were arrested at a house in Westville, Durban.

“Two firearms were recovered at a house in Quigney.

“They will be sent to ballistics for testing.”

The suspects will appear in court on attempted murder charges.

According to the police, additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.

“The motive [for the shooting] is still under investigation,” Naidu said.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene applauded the police for their bravery and dedication.

She said the swift action, led by experienced officers, showcased exceptional co-ordination and teamwork.

“Such exemplary work underscores our unwavering commitment in apprehending those responsible for this heinous act,” Mene said.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the case, we cannot disclose further details at this time.”

Ward councillor Jason McDowell took to social media to give a thumbs-up for the swift action by the men and women in blue as well as security firms.

“Well done on the amazing team work between SAPS and the private security involved for apprehending the suspects within 24 hrs,” he posted on Facebook

“It takes special people to do what you do.”

In his post, McDowell said he was dismayed by the incident.

“From sitting in a calm meeting trying to save the environment in one part of my ward to rushing to the other end of the ward for a shooting,” he wrote.

“As a ward councillor you just never know what your day will bring.”

On Sunday, McDowell said the police and private security were to be commended for the relationship they had cultivated to ensure swift and efficient action to apprehend violent criminals in incidences like these.

“Private security members have filled some gaps caused by a lack of resources provided to SAPS.

“Through effective collaboration, these two groups managed to wage a war on criminals in an attempt to keep people and areas safe, as well as bring about justice to those who have broken the law.”

Community activist and crime-fighter Amanda Timms also lauded the swift action.

“That was an awesome arrest; the police and the private security did an excellent job. We need more arrests like this.

“They need to be prosecuted for what they did.

“With everyone working together more criminals can be put behind bars.”

While attempts were made to obtain an update on the health status of Camagu Maseti, these were unsuccessful by the time of publication.

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