A 23-year-old man appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate court recently in connection with the killing of five people in KwaNdengezi last year. The accused was allegedly found to be in possession with one of the victim’s phone.
His arrest follows the attack on six people, including three females, that took place on 26 September at 9pm.
KwaZulu-Natal Police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker said: “The victims were inside a vehicle at Snethemba area in KwaNdengezi when a group of men who arrived in another vehicle, ordered them out. The suspects allegedly indiscriminately opened fire on them. Police found five of the victims dead near the vehicle and established that one of the victims was seriously injured and transported to hospital. Charges of murder and attempted murder were opened for investigation at KwaNdengezi SAPS.”
The arrest comes after the Provincial Commissioner assigned the docket to detectives from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit who took over the investigation. Jay Naicker said the suspect appeared in court on the charges of murder and possession of stolen property, and he was remanded in custody until 12 February.
Vusimuzi Mbanjwa, ward 12 Councillor, said they are quite pleased with the progress as it was a shocking crime. “We are happy about the revelation of this case. KwaNdengezi is a troubled place and we need prayers, and above that we need the police together with the CPF to put on strategic plans to prevent crime in the place.”
Mbanjwa said the CPF and the police should always be active and not wait for a disaster to happen. “Right now the crime activity has somewhat declined, but it is only a matter of time when we will hear something else again,” he said.
Vukani Hlongwa, the Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson said that they are pleased with the arrest, however the shooting reflected the lack of collaboration between the CPF and the police. “KwaNdengezi should have safety measures that will increase the security in the community and such things could be only achieved if the SAPS recognises the CPF and the role they plays in the community,” he said.
Hlongwa said they are planning to have a meeting with the councillor and the SAPS where they will discuss a way forward with regards to the safety of the community.
