Four killed in hostel shootings
Durban - Tension and fear have resurfaced at KwaMashu men’s hostel after a two-day “shooting spree” that left four people dead, including a visiting teenager.
The 16-year-old Nkandla teen, Zamani Lukhozi, was shot on Friday night after apparently being sent to buy beer from a nearby tuck shop.
“We don’t know who sent him but when we found his body, he still had the change and the two beers with him,” his aunt, Thobile Lukhozi, said.
“No one has admitted to sending him to the shop.”
She said a neighbour was also shot but survived.
Zamani had come from Nkandla so that his mother could get him school supplies, Lukhozi said.
On Saturday, Tozane Biyela, 36, Skhumbuzo Nxumalo, 27, and an unidentified man were killed at the hostel in separate incidents.
Three others - Sthembile Bhengu, 25, Nontobeko Cele and Sphamandla Sishi, both 30, survived the shootings and are recovering in hospital.
The police made a breakthrough on Sunday when they arrested two men, Mlungisi Madlala, 37, and Ntsikayezwe Ntuli, 22, in connection with the shootings. They appeared in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of murder and attempted murder, and are expected to appear in court again next week.
Lukhozi said she had heard the gunshots that had killed her nephew.
“He was just a child and yet he was shot three times. His mother is not coping at all. We are very scared at the moment,” she said.
Lukhozi said the family were confused about what sparked the shootings but added that the heavy police presence in the area helped them sleep better at night.
The police were sent to the hostel to ensure there was “stability”, said Kwanale Ncalane, spokesman for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Community Safety and Liaison.
Ncalane said Zamani was shot dead on Jabula Road.
“It is alleged that the deceased was coming from the shop when gunshots were heard,” he said.
Ncalane said a resident who had gone out to investigate was shot in the thigh.
On Saturday at about 2pm, Biyela was shot dead and several spent cartridges were recovered at the scene, he said.
“The second incident happened at about 4.40pm (when) an unknown male was shot and killed as he was coming out of his place of residence in Moyamnandi Road.”
At about 7.45pm Nxumalo was killed in Qhakaza Road, which is within the hostel, Ncalane said.
“It is alleged that Nxumalo was accompanying his friend Bhengu, who was also shot, sustaining multiple injuries. She was transferred to King Edward VIII Hospital,” he said.
Police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, said Cele had been doing her washing when she was approached by two males who allegedly demanded her cellphone and cash.
Shots were fired at her but she also survived the attack.
Zwane said the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit and KwaMashu detectives were working around the clock to establish if the suspects were involved in other murders and robberies reported at the hostel.
Community Safety and Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu condemned the killings and commended the police for the speedy arrests.
While the motive for the killings was not known, Mchunu said they undermined peace initiatives being driven by his department between political players at the hostel.
“My biggest concern and that of the department’s is the proliferation of illegal firearms which are the key drivers of these killings at this hostel,” he said.
“I urge people in this area to observe restraint and let the police attend to this situation.
“As the government, we are going to continue engaging all role-players with a view of finding a lasting solution to put this to an end.”
Hostel residents approached for comment yesterday said they had not heard of the murders.
Anyone with information regarding the shootings can call the police Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Daily News
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