Police launch a manhunt after 6 people killed in mass shooting in Umlazi, KZN.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

SA Police Services (SAPS) have launched a manhunt for the suspects who shot and killed six people in a mass shooting in Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), on Friday night.

It is understood that they went to an informal settlement in Q-Section and opened fire. One person is in critical condition in hospital.

Police spokesperson in KZN Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects are believed to have been on a search for an ID document belonging to one of them.

“Preliminary investigation has revealed that one of the suspects, who was leading the other three, demanded his identity document from the victims before shooting them.

“It is believed he is wanted by police for another murder at which he dropped his identity document and reports indicate he believed one of the deceased had it.”

Netshiunda added that three of the suspects were identified and a 72-hour mobilisation of maximum resources had been activated to search for them. 

Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the police, or call our Crime Stop number 0860 010 111, or alert the police via the MySAPS app,” he said.

Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (DA) in KwaZulu-Natal has called on the Police Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to ensure speedy arrests for the killing of six people in uMlazi.

In a statement, the party said, “we condemn the shooting in the strongest terms. SAPS must prove that they have a handle on crime in the province as their track record is shocking and leaves much to be desired, with KZN remaining the “murder capital” of the country.

The DA is in the process of writing to all political parties in the province including SAPS to join a round table discussion on violence, political killings and a way forward to rid the province of the scourge,” read the statement.

In a separate incident, the police in Alexandra are investigating the death of three people following a random shootout at Ext 08 Eastbank.

The incident happened on Friday evening. 

Police spokesperson, Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi says local community patrollers were busy with their briefing when a group of men approached and started shooting at them. 

“One patroller died on the scene and two other victims who were coming from a nearby tavern were also fatally shot while three other patrollers were taken to a local clinic with gunshot wounds,” says Nevhuhulwi.

Scroll to Top