Manhunt for managers' murderers

2005-08-02 11:16

Johannesburg - Johannesburg police are following "every possible lead" to ensure the arrest of alleged assassins of two Hillbrow building managers who were slain last week, police said on Monday.

Sergeant Sanku Tsunke said members of the serious and violent crime unit were working on the case and were hunting the suspects who killed Charles Joubert and Sipho Kunene last Thursday.

The two, employed by Connaught Properties, were shot in the back of their heads numerous times as they got into their car at Park Mews, Esselen street, after a meeting about the recent "building hijackings" - when people occupy the buildings illegally.

It is believed the men were assassinated by building hijackers.

According to a media report on Monday, property hijackings had become common in the inner city.

The report also said though police had been informed of this, they refuse to act to rid the area of building hijackers.

However, Tsunke said police cannot be blamed for the hijackings because they were not responsible for the buildings.

"We (the police) don't deal with this. It is not our job. We only attend to evictions," said Tsunke.

He said building hijackings need to be reported to the municipality as it was its responsibility.

- SAPA