Described as a tragic scene, on Sunday, 27 October 2024, six individuals were brutally gunned down in Estcourt, KwaZulu-Natal, during a traditional ceremony.
According to KwaZulu-Natal SAPS Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the tragic incident began when a group of masked assailants, armed with rifles and handguns, stormed a homestead in the Nyezane area of Estcourt where festivities were underway.
The men, according to Colonel Netshiunda, unleashed a hail of bullets on the unsuspecting attendees, resulting in five fatalities and one person sustaining serious injuries. While the attackers managed to flee the scene, rapid police action soon led to the apprehension of one suspect that same day.
“Swift intelligence-driven investigations by Amangwe police detectives led them to a hospital where a 28-year-old suspect was arrested. The suspect had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest and a broken arm from the crime scene and was taken to hospital by his accomplices. It is yet to be established if he was hit by friendly fire or if someone else retaliated at the crime scene,” explained Colonel Netshiunda.
With one suspect now in custody, Colonel Netshiunda detailed how, on Monday afternoon, 28 October 2024, a police operation led by Crime Intelligence uncovered a hideout in Acaciaville, Ladysmith.
“The intelligence was operationalised, and five suspects were found hiding inside a room and were arrested. They were found in possession of two AK47 assault rifles with 115 rounds of ammunition, two pistols with 12 rounds of ammunition, and one .38 special revolver with one round of ammunition. The vehicle used as a getaway from the crime scene was also recovered,” he added.
Additionally, the Colonel revealed that one of the recovered firearms belonged to a man who lost his life in the Sunday mass shooting. “Investigations also led the police to a house in Ezakheni, where another firearm was recovered. The recovered firearms will be taken for ballistic testing to ascertain if they are linked to other crime scenes in and around the province,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
While the motive behind the killings remains under investigation, Colonel Netshiunda indicated that authorities suspect a possible connection to stock theft, as the deceased individuals were members of the Community Anti-Stock Theft Group. He added that the arrested suspects are believed to have been involved in multiple stock theft and murder cases in the Amangwe area and its surroundings.
The five apprehended suspects are scheduled to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrates Court on charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Following that, they will be transferred to Estcourt to face numerous murder charges. Meanwhile, the suspect arrested on Sunday will remain in Estcourt and will also appear in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court on murder charges.
With the suspects now in custody, what are your thoughts on this tragic incident? Share your views in the comments section below.
