The MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison, Ms. Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, expresses her heavy heart regarding the recent killings at Umlazi.
This week alone at least 11 people have been reportedly murdered at the township, in two unrelated incidents. The first incident was reported on Sunday, 29 August 2021, where six people were shot and killed at U Section.
Last night on Tuesday, 31 August 2021, at W Section, another five people were shot and killed, and three others sustained serious injuries. Reports suggest that a group of people were in a house when three unknown gunmen, armed with 9mm pistols attacked them. The victims sustained serious injuries on the head and the upper body. The three who were injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention.
Thirty-seven 9mm cartridges, two spent bullets, and a live round of ammunition were found at the crime scene.
MEC Nkonyeni condemns the acts of violence which have been happening in the area and calls for the police to speed up investigations in order to get to the bottom of the killings.
“I want to express my concern regarding the recent brutal killings that have happened at Umlazi. What worries me the most is that the majority of people who are involved are very young. I can’t even start to imagine how their families are receiving the sad news. I send my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and assure the community that the police are looking into these sporadic crimes.”
