eSwatini national arrested for August 2024 'revenge' murders of six men in uMlazi
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
A year-long investigation into a mass shooting in uMlazi has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national believed to be one of the gunmen involved in the brutal murder of six men at an informal settlement in V/6 Section on 17 August 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, the suspect, Melusi Dlamini, was arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on Friday, 4 July 2025.
'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,' said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
On the night of the killings, six men were drinking alcohol with three women when they were approached by two men claiming to be looking for cigarettes. After being told that no one was selling, the men left, only to return moments later.
'They instructed the three women to lie down as they fired shots at the male victims. Six men were shot and declared dead at the scene,' the statement read.
Investigations later revealed that the attack was reportedly motivated by revenge. It is believed the deceased, all Xhosa-speaking men, had previously been involved in a physical altercation with Swati nationals in the same area.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Dlamini, identified as a Swati national, was charged with six counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He appeared in the uMlazi Magistrate's Court on Monday, 7 July 2025, where he abandoned his bail application. The matter was remanded to 14 August 2025.
Police say they are still searching for the second suspect involved in the shooting. 'Investigations are underway in search of the second suspect,' said Netshiunda.
The SAPS has called on members of the public who may have information about the second suspect to come forward.
THE MERCURY
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Duo charged with possession of illegal firearms
THE uMkhanyakude District task team and Hluhluwe SAPS arrested two men for possession of illegal firearms in different areas last Friday. The men, aged 47 and 51, were nabbed during intelligence-driven operations in the KwaMsane and Hluhluwe areas. ALSO READ: Multi-stakeholder imbizo to address rampant crime The 47-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and eight rounds of ammunition. uMkhanyakude Cluster police spokesperson Lieutenant Sibusiso Mkhize said, after the arrest the operation proceeded to the Hluhluwe area where the 51-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and 11 live rounds of ammunition. ALSO READ: Police narrowly survive mob attack 'Both suspects appeared in court on Monday last week, and were remanded in police custody pending further investigation. They are expected to appear on Tuesday, 22 July for a formal bail application,' said Mkhize. Acting district commissioner Brigadier Jeros Thango praised the work done by the SAPS to serve justice in uMkhanyakude District. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Mbalula defends ANC's step-aside rule from criticism amid Mchunu allegations
Minister Senzo Mchunu, was placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula defended the party against criticisms that it has selectively applied its step-aside rule when it comes to the allegations raised against former Minister Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on leave of absence by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week. Mbalula, came out to address the media during a short interval at the Cape Sun Hotel, where the ANC's National Working Committee (NWC) met with the Provincial Executive Committee. This forms part of the ANC's ongoing efforts to strengthen its organisational capacity and engage directly with structures of the movement across regions and districts. Mchunu, who was also present at the ANC's NWC meeting, faces allegations of corruption and malfeasance from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The ANC has previously said it welcomes Ramaphosa's decision to establish a judicial commission of inquiry to probe the allegations against Mchunu. However, there were some senior members of the party who questioned the step-aside rule and its effectiveness, saying it only applied to some. The rule requires members of the party who are facing serious allegations to step aside from their positions. The rule has seen some ANC officials having to vacate office until they were cleared of any wrongdoing. A senior member said there was commotion among ANC corridors in Luthuli House because some felt Ramaphosa was selective in the application of the step-aside rule. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mblalula and ANC Western Cape Provincial Chairperson, Cde Vuyiso 'JJ' Tyhalisisu. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Mbalula said there is no such thing as selective application of the step-aside rule. He said once members are arrested or appear in court, then the rule is applied. 'When last did you see people supporting each other going to court with ANC t-shirts? You get arrested, you stand on your own. Step-aside rule applies. Those who vulgarise things shamelessly will say that the rule doesn't apply to Senzo Mchunu, but the president did put him aside, with immediate effect. 'Argue the question of how that has happened, but he is aside. We've got an acting Minister (Gwede Mantashe) who is chairing the meeting today. I've explained, and I'm repeating it again today - Senzo will not step aside in relation to the ANC. He is an elected member. Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile facing the provincial ANC branches in the Western Cape. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress Nomvula Mokonyane seen speaking to ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe. Seated in front of them are ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers 'He's got an opportunity now, in terms of the audi (alteram partem) principle, to also state his side of the story. Once we listen to that, it is also evaluated in terms of facts by a competent, independent judge, and a judicial commission like the president appointed, then we can pass judgment. 'Let's allow the process to follow; this is what all South Africans look forward to. Even we're looking forward to that. 'The principle of our jurisprudence allows that somebody's story must also be listened to, and that is there is any wrongdoing by him, and all of that, the ANC, in terms of its renewal process, this kicks in,' Mbalula said.'There are many ANC members who are step-aside, who have appeared in court, who have been arrested. 'We are the only party in South Africa that practices things even beyond the jurisprudence. Even Magashule failed to challenge the step-aside rule.' ANC National Chairperson, Gwede Mantashe sitting alongside ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, and Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, during an interval at Sunday's report back. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers Magashule referred to former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who went to court to overturn his suspension for failing to step aside after being criminally charged. 'It was affirmed by the Constitutional Court that there was nothing unconstitutional about the step-aside rule because it is entrenched in the ANC constitution itself. 'There is nothing like selective justice, and selective application of the step-aside rule. If you are arrested, you appear before the courts, even before you appear. Once you are arrested, you step aside.' Mbalula also touched on how the NWC's visit to the Western Cape structure is their fifth in a series of visits to provinces, as they seek to strengthen their organisational branches in the region. He said that they have been receiving reports from their visits. President Ramaphosa was in the Boland Region on Saturday as part of their efforts. 'All of us were in different regions (of the province). We interacted with branches that gave us reports, and we are currently processing those reports. Tomorrow (on Monday), the working committee will meet to reflect on the reports and chat on the way forward to strengthen our organisation here in the province.'
IOL News
10 hours ago
- IOL News
Political plot against beleaguered Police Minister Senzo Mchunu revealed
Senzo Mchunu's supporters say two KZN ANC NEC members are hatching a plot to have him dismissed from the cabinet. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers Two KwaZulu-Natal senior ANC national executive committee members have been accused by supporters of embattled Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of orchestrating a political plot. The alleged plot aims to have Mchunu dismissed from the cabinet and prevent his election to the party's top seven in 2027. Two weeks ago, provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi dropped a bombshell, accusing Mchunu of interfering in police operations to shield underworld syndicate criminals from prosecution. This accusation came as Mchunu was campaigning for the ANC in Vryheid, northern KwaZulu-Natal, for a by-election. Many saw this campaign as a political move ahead of the 2027 party elective conference. The by-election was ultimately won by the IFP last week. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking anonymously, a supporter of Mchunu argued that it was implausible for him to have sought to protect businessman Vusi 'Cat' Matlala regarding a tender awarded in 2021. The backer highlighted that Mchunu was leading a different department at the time and, furthermore, initiated an investigation into the tender's awarding, subsequently cancelling it. The backer questioned, 'This tender was awarded before Minister Mchunu joined the Police Portfolio, how can the Minister institute investigation and subsequently cancel it if they are friends?' He said Mchunu's team has picked up information that the two NEC members had a meeting in Durban with a leader of the opposition party which is pushing for Mchunu's dismissal from his ministerial position. He further stated that the NEC members are also against the commission because they fear it might unearth their corruption. which is linked to the R360 million tender which was awarded to Matlala in Tembisa hospital. 'We know they have been holding secret meetings aimed at derailing the current commission of inquiry. In these confidential discussions, an alarm was raised that allowing the commission to proceed would likely expose the true perpetrators behind a series of corruption scandals other than Minister Senzo Mchunu, who is now being used as a scapegoat. The covert plan appears to involve coordinated efforts to pressure the President into dismissing Minister Mchunu in the wake of his bold steps to clean up corruption within top police ranks — an operation which led to the arrest of their close associates within the police top ranks. These claims by Mchunu backers come after Umkhonto weSizwe Party has filed an urgent court application in the Constitutional Court to stop Madlanga Commission from resuming its work. Making his first public appearance in his home town of eMpangeni north of the province, Mchunu addressed a Mandela Day commemoration which was organised by the newly appointed ANC's Musa Dladla regional task team. He received a warm welcome and people shouted Mayihlome ihlasele (let's prepare to attack) as he moved to the podium. In the veiled reference to Mkhwanazi, Mchunu said he was not wearing a camouflage uniform and he had no gun. Mchunu was placed on leave by President Ramaphosa last week who also announced a Judicial Commission that will be chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
