Residents of Marianhill are still reeling in shock following the killing of seven people who were gunned down at the Siqhopholozi Tuckshop, situated at the corner of Mpanza and Nxele Street on Saturday, 30 July.
It is alleged that at 7:30pm, a group of unknown men opened fire at people who were at a tuckshop in Marianhill killing six men aged between 30 and 65-years-old. One other man who sustained gunshot wounds was transported to hospital for medical attention and succumbed to his injuries.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker said initial investigations revealed that three of the deceased were the tuckshop owner as well as his two sons and one of the deceased’s who was waiting at the tuck-shop to see a traditional healer, might have been the actual target of the hit.
“This incident once again demonstrates our concern that firearms are contributing to the high levels of crime in the province and we are advocating for stricter regulations regarding the management of legal firearms as many of them end up being used by criminals. We will do everything within our control to bring these killers to book,” said Brig Naicker.
He added that during the search in the tuckshop, police discovered few bottles of liquor in the refrigerator and some food items, however, it is not clear whether the tuckshop was also operating as a liquor outlet.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni said that she is outraged by the rate of killing incidents in KwaZulu-Natal.
The MEC visited the crime scene with Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on Sunday, 31 July to get a thorough briefing from the police and to allay fears among community members who were still distraught.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said that he has mobilised all available police resources to hunt down the heartless killers who murdered the seven people.
Speaking at the scene MEC Nkonyeni assured community members that police are working around the clock to ensure that perpetrators are apprehended.
“We have come here to get a clear understanding of what exactly happened. We are pleased with the police reports. So far police have activated members of the Organised Crime team to lead the investigation and we are positive that soon the suspects will be arrested. As the Department of Community Safety and Liaison we have also activated community crime fighting structures to also work hand in hand with the police and to reinforce community participation.” said Nkonyeni.
She also expressed her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and appealed to members of the community who might have information to come forward and assist the police investigation.
