Police probe drug link in KZN massacre

21 January 2017 - 16:04 By Nathi Olifant
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Thandi Dubazana, whose niece was killed in a massacre on Friday night, points out where the murders took place. File photo
Thandi Dubazana, whose niece was killed in a massacre on Friday night, points out where the murders took place. File photo
Image: THULI DLAMINI

Was the brutal massacre of six people in Hammarsdale‚ west of Durban‚ on Friday night linked to an ongoing drug war?

Police are investigating this possibility in the wake of the mass murder. Neighbours who spoke to The Times said it was a known secret that whoonga was dealt from the house where seven people were shot. Six of them were killed‚ while the seventh is in hospital.

Siblings Hlengiwe Dubazane‚ 20‚ and Siyanda Kubheka‚ 27‚ were at the house with a friend‚ Siphelele Kubheka‚ when Zama Mthalane‚ Mnce Goqo‚ Siphamandla Mavundla and Bongani Ntuli came over to visit on Friday evening. At about 10pm‚ unknown assailants knocked on the door and opened fire.

Only Ntuli survived.

Siyanda Kubheka has previously been arrested and charged for drug-related offences.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said whoonga‚ four bullet cartridges and bullets were found at the scene.

“We are not saying the murders are related to drugs as we are still investigating. But Siyanda [Kubheka] has been arrested before on charges relating to drugs. We don't know anything about the other victims‚” she said.

Neighbour Dumisani Khumalo said they heard the gunshots around 10pm. He and Siphelele Kubheka grew up playing soccer together.

He was adamant the crime was linked to drug wars in the area.

“I cannot say much‚ but some of those that died are known in local drug circles. I suspect their rivals came to stop them‚" said the former member of the local community policing forum.

He said that dealers had torn the CPF apart‚ as many its members had previously been shot.

TMG Digital/The Times

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