A terrified KwaZulu-Natal man has described how a Sunday afternoon of traditional festivities at his home was marred by heavy gunfire which claimed five lives.
Mgijimeli Mazibuko, 58, recalled how at around 3pm on Sunday festivities were halted when a vehicle approached the rural homestead of Nyezane near Estcourt in KwaZulu-Natal.
Minutes later, six men armed with AK-47s and handguns opened fire on Khundlwane Mazibuko, Dumisani Mazibuko, Dela Zondi, Emmanuel Ndaba and his father Elliot Mqedeni Ndaba. All but Emmanuel died at the scene, but he succumbed to his injuries at Estcourt Hospital.
“When the car approached we thought nothing of it because our home was a hive of activity. Men were seated in the kraal while the rest of the guests, including women, were in the home,” Mazibuko said.
He said one of the armed men, who wore a face mask to hide his face, demanded to speak to Emmanuel.
Moments later the sound of gunfire permeated the air, sending screaming guests running for safety.
“Everything was turned upside down with izithebe (traditional meat trays) being upended in the commotion. I tried to shield some children from the mayhem,” said Mazibuko.
Police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said five people were shot dead and a sixth person was wounded in the attack.
Netshiunda said a tip-off led Amangwe detectives to a hospital where a 28-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday.
Crime intelligence members uncovered the suspects' hiding place at Acaciaville in Ladysmith on Monday where the remaining five suspects were found hiding in a room and were arrested.
They were found in possession of two AK47 assault rifles with 115 rounds of ammunition, two pistols with 12 rounds of ammunition and one .38 special revolver with one round of ammunition. A vehicle which they used to flee the crime scene was also recovered, said Netshiunda.
Mazibuko said they were in the dark about what could have caused the brutal murders.
“We absolutely have no idea what caused this whole thing. This haunts us deeply because the people who died were just guests. Their death will be a painful reminder. Why did they have to come and do this in our homestead?” said Mazibuko.
Dumisani, a father of three, was described as family man who had a gift for farming. His home is dotted with mud dwellings. Elliot’s distraught wife Buselaphi said she was shattered by the murder.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen to us. My husband was a pillar who ensured our family was self-sufficient,” she said.
She said her husband was a giving person whose generosity knew no bounds.
“He gave anybody the produce from his garden,” she said.
Emmanuel was a father of five children, while Elliot was a father of two.
The family would not be drawn on police suspicion it could be stock-theft related.
Community members led by Inkosi Langalibalele mayor Mduduzi Myeza and traditional leaders said crime had continued unabated in the rural homestead which is located at the slopes of the mountains.
Uthukela district commissioner Major-Gen Thulani Gonya said the suspects that were arrested all come from the area and their ages ranged from 20 to 30 years.
He said the suspects were being profiled for links to other crimes.
Premier Thami Ntuli said the massacre was well planned and commended the police for the arrests.
“The manner and speed in which they are investigating and making arrests makes you believe that KZN is going to be safe. We encourage society to collaborate with the police and inform them whenever there are criminal activities,” said Ntuli.
With the suspects also found in possession of passports, Ntuli hoped this will unravel more information on stock theft syndicates in the region.
“It may direct the police to other people who may not necessarily have been involved. The investigation may uncover more information. Stock theft is one of the crimes which we are worried about in the province, especially in rural areas,” said Ntuli.
He said they are planning to work with the department of agriculture and rural development on how they can use technology to counter the spike in stock theft.
A community member who asked not to be named expressed concern that the bloodshed had continued unabated and has also made the community fear for their lives.
Myeza said they were plans to get the army to help with monitoring the area.
“These members have a base here so they are willing to come and monitor the area until such time we can deal with the violence,” said Myeza.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.