‘Please bring them home alive’: R1m reward for 4 Eastern Cape cousins who vanished in 2024

Three men were found shot dead in bushes in Peace Village, KwaNobuhle, Eastern Cape, on Monday morning, sparking a triple murder investigation by local police. The bodies of 17-year-old Alwaba Toba, 20-year-old Ayabonga Jantjie, and 22-year-old Bonginkosi Matunbu were discovered opposite Thuthula Street at approximately 9.35am on 3 August 2026. All three victims had gunshot wounds, according to police. The discovery was made after officers were alerted to the scene by unknown individuals. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, with the bodies found concealed within vegetation. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the findings and stated that the motive behind the killings remains unclear. The suspects have not yet been identified or apprehended. A formal murder case, consisting of three separate charges, has been initiated at SAPS KwaNobuhle and has been forwarded to the Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Unit for further examination. Family members of the victims were present at the scene when the identities of the deceased were officially confirmed. The names of the victims were verified by their relatives, who arrived shortly after the bodies were recovered. The community has expressed deep concern over the violent incident, which has raised fears of rising criminal activity in the area. Local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or potential leads to the police. Detectives are currently working to determine the circumstances surrounding the murders. They are conducting interviews with witnesses and examining evidence collected from the crime scene. Authorities have issued a call for the public’s assistance in providing any information that might aid in solving the case. “Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist in the investigation to come forward,” said Gantana. However, no arrests have been made so far, and the investigation is ongoing. The location of the incident, Peace Village, part of the larger KwaNobuhle municipality, is known for its rural setting and limited law enforcement presence. This factor has contributed to concerns among locals about safety and security. The recent violence adds to a growing sense of unease in the region, where reports of armed robbery and other crimes have increased in recent months. While there are no official statistics linking this case to broader trends, community leaders have noted a pattern of escalating incidents that require urgent attention. As the investigation continues, police are focusing on gathering more details about the possible motives and the identity of the perpetrators. Forensic teams are analyzing the crime scene, while investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing nearby residents. The SVCI Unit will coordinate efforts to track down the suspects and bring them to justice. In the meantime, the families of the victims are seeking closure and support from the community. The case remains under active scrutiny, with no indication that the search for answers will conclude soon.