Twelve arrested in connection with brutal Bambayi murders

Police have arrested 12 suspects, including a pensioner, in connection with the brutal murders of five people whose bodies were discovered in Bambayi early Friday morning.

The grim discovery was made after 6am when the victims were found at two separate locations.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said three bodies were located on a sports field near a school, while the other two were found about a kilometre away in another field.

Netshiunda confirmed that the victims were hacked to death, and a bush knife is suspected to have been used in the attack.

"Preliminary investigations suggest the victims, aged between 19 and 26, were kidnapped from their homes around midnight. Their bodies, bearing multiple injuries, were discovered hours later," he said.

One of the victims was reportedly found with a severed arm.

By Friday afternoon, swift police action led to the arrest of 12 suspects aged between 22 and 70. The group is believed to be affiliated with a community forum in the area. Police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation continues.

The suspects are set to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court soon.

“We are urging community members with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation,” said Colonel Netshiunda.