The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recovered high-calibre firearms believed to have been used in the mass murder that claimed 18 lives in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
In a major breakthrough, two additional suspects were arrested in Flagstaff, Eastern Cape, after being found in possession of the rifles linked to the killings. National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the recovered weapons include three AK-47 automatic rifles and a Steyr Maxillary rifle, which have been sent for ballistics testing.
"Through intelligence and meticulous detective work, the high-calibre firearms were recovered on Thursday evening," said Mathe. "Two more suspects have been arrested after being found with these rifles."
Preliminary investigations suggest that the firearms were relocated to another location after the massacre. Ballistics tests will determine if the recovered guns were used in the Lusikisiki murders and if they are connected to any other criminal activities.
The investigation continues as police work to bring all those responsible for the mass killing to justice.