Relentless investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives has resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national for the murder of six people who were shot and killed at an informal settlement at V/6 Section in Umlazi on 17 August 2024.
On that fateful night, six men were consuming alcohol with three women when they were approached by two unknown men who claimed that they wanted to buy cigarettes, but were told to leave as no one was selling cigarettes. The two men left, only to return moments later and instructed the three women to lie down as they fired shots to the male victims. Six men were shot and declared dead at the scene.
Investigations uncovered that the killings were revenge motivated. It is reported that the deceased victims, who were both Xhosa speaking, had allegedly fought with Swati nationals who resided in the same area. Melusi Dlamini, a 28-year-old Swati national, was arrested at Krugersdorp in Gauteng Province on Friday, 4 July 2025 and was charged with six counts of murder, unlawful possession of firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. He appeared in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 7 July 2025 where he abandoned bail and his case was remanded to 14 August 2025.
Investigations are underway in search of the second suspect.