Investigations are continuing after nine people were shot in two separate incidents at an informal settlement on Palmiet Road, Clare Estate.
The incidents took place on Saturday night, 16 October, going into Sunday morning, 17 October, claiming eight lives, including those of two children. According to the Clare Estate CPF chairman, Mansoor Akoo, the incidents happened a few minutes apart and are believed to be related.
“Even though I was not in Durban when the incidents happened, I can confirm that the shootings took place, claiming the life of one of the workers at Jolly meats, Clifford Moyo, 28, who has worked in the area for a very long time. I can also confirm that the investigations are being carried out by the SAPS and hopefully the culprits will be brought to book,” said Akoo.
He encouraged residents who may have information related to the shooting to contact the police. “I also encourage residents with firearms or those that know of anyone with illegal firearms to contact the SAPS.”
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, confirmed that the case is being investigated by the Sydenham SAPS, who were called to the scene after the incident took place. “Sydenham Police were called to Palmiet Road and upon arrival in one of the shacks they found two males, two females as well as two children, dead. They had gunshot wounds to their bodies and when they went to a nearby shack they also found another male and female also. For now, it’s not easy for us to know what the motive was,” said Col Mbele.
Thapelo Mohaphi of Abahlali baseMjondolo could not confirm whether the shootings were politically related or criminal. “We are concerned that in Durban whenever we are going into elections there will be those who are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals and police are never prepared to conduct regular patrols in these areas. Only when nine people are shot then it is treated as a case of emergency.
“In our areas people are being killed on a daily basis. I feel that the informal settlements do not count in society. In Inanda, two people were killed when they were voting for a ward councillor. It happened in Cato Crest as well and now again in Clare Estate. You can see that there is a routine and our people are not being protected by the SAPS,” Mohapi said.
He called on the SAPS to be out in full force to protect the people, especially during these times of elections.
