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There were 229 mass murders in KwaZulu-Natal over just the past ten months. According to Police Minister Bheki Cele, these incidents have resulted in the deaths of some 531 people.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, 26 January 2022, Cele explained that most of these crimes occurred in the eThekwini municipality, followed by the uMgungundlovu Municipality.
Furthermore, he explained that drug wars, retaliation and revenge are the most common causes in cases where motives have been established.
“This motive is followed by robbery either at a home, or business. Arguments are the third highest causative factors for multiple killings. The top three areas of multiple murders are at the home of victims or perpetrator or the home of a family member, friend or a neighbour.”
Cele went on to say that many of the victims were gunned down in the streets, open fields, or while inside a vehicle such as a car, taxi, or bus.
Looking at the most recent mass shootings, the Police Minister singled out the following incidents:
Richmond Shooting
Taking place on 14 January 2022 at a homestead in Esigcakeni. Sadly, eight people, including a 17-year-old teenager, were killed.
Cele claims that significant progress has been made in the case. In the Richmond area, a multi-disciplinary operation was carried out. This operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, apprehended in various locations and discovered to have several high-caliber firearms and ammunition. The suspects were also found in possession of drugs.
KwaMakhuta Shooting
The KwaMakhuta shooting occurred on 23 January 2022 and saw four men gunned down in a drive-by shooting while sitting under a tree. According to Cele, the investigation is ongoing, and police are following up on hot leads.
Inanda Shooting
The Police Minister says one suspect has been arrested for the Inanda shooting, where six people were killed on 14 January 2022. A firearm has been seized, and police are pursuing information.
Additionally, Cele points out that these figures paint a grim picture, with families looking for answers and searching for justice and closure.
However, he says, “We owe it to the victims of these multiple shootings and all victims of murders, to go over and above the normal call of duty and find these killers; come hell or high water.”
He adds that the same agility and intelligence used to track and trace the suspects in the most recent breakthroughs must also be used to bring justice to these victims.
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