Public assistance request in hostel probe

Police have appealed to the public for assistance after five men were killed at the notorious KwaMashu Hostel.

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Durban - Police have appealed to the public to assist them with investigations after five men were killed at the notorious KwaMashu Hostel at 7am on Wednesday.

Provincial police spokesman, Colonel Jay Naicker,

said the shooting occurred in a block of hostels near Kholwa Road.

“It is alleged that an unknown group of men entered a room in a block and opened fire at occupants in the room. Three of the occupants died instantly and one died while receiving medical attention,” he said.

Naicker said a fifth victim was taken to hospital and was in a critical condition.

A fifth body was found outside the hostel.

“A 9mm pistol was found next to his body. It is suspected that he was one of the attackers and was killed by unknown persons as he fled the scene.

“Police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder,” he said.

Naicker said the deceased had yet to be identified and the motive for the killings remained unknown.

He appealed to the community to come forward with information that might assist the police in tracking down the killers.

The Daily News spoke to locals who lived in the same block as those killed.

They cannot be named as they fear reprisals. The KwaMashu Hostel is notorious for political killings.

One neighbour said she was preparing her breakfast after collecting water from the taps when she heard screams and gunshots.

“These were very young boys. One of them was crying ‘ingane ka ma’ (my mother’s child) – because his brother had just recently come to live with him here and then this happens,” said the woman.

“When we got in the room, we found these boys were not even dressed. They were in their underwear because they were sleeping.

“One of them was asking to be dragged out and I was so scared so I went to call for help.

“It was so sad,” she said.

MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, said they were doing their best to comb the scene and follow important leads.

“The police have intensified their visibility and presence at the hostel as part of monitoring the situation, and ensuring safety for residents,” he said.

Mchunu said they were continuing to deploy police and use CCTV cameras as safety mechanisms in the area.

Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, said the killings were “totally unacceptable”.

Daily News