KZN premier condemns Umlazi mass shooting, urges swift action

KwaZulu-Natal premier Thami Ntuli has condemned the brutal and senseless killing of eight people in Umlazi, south of Durban, on Friday evening, describing the actions of the killers as “barbaric and inhumane”.

He was speaking after visiting the crime scene on Saturday alongside deputy provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Phumelele Makoba.

“Such a number of people were shot and it leaves everyone worried in the province of KZN. But we need to not only be worried, we must act. Let’s mobilise each and every society to understand if we don’t stand together this is going to continue,” said Ntuli.

Police said an unknown number of armed assailants entered a dwelling in Umlazi U Section at about 8.15pm and opened fire on the victims.

“Police responded to reports of multiple murders and on arrival at the scene, eight people — six men and two women — whose ages range between 22 and 40 years, were found lying in a pool of blood with multiple gunshot wounds,” police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said.

Three people were injured in the attack and taken to hospital.

“Investigations into the possible motive for the killings are under way and police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

“Police are appealing to anyone who might have information which can assist in the investigation to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number, 08600 10111.”

Ntuli called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and pledged full support from the provincial government to assist law enforcement in their investigations.

“We should expose all the criminals to the police so that they are arrested and removed from the community. Our worries must trigger action in all of us as a society to stand up and say in our area, in the whole province, no one must have an illegal gun and ammunition,” he said.