It is alleged that on 27 January 2022 at 15:45, a group of people were at a Itheku Taxi Rank in Madadeni when a group of unknown suspects opened fire at them.
Two taxi drivers aged 34 and 39 were fatally wounded.
They were identified as Njabulo Shezi (34) and Charles Hadebe (39). Two additional taxi drivers were injured and were transported to hospital for medical attention.
The suspects fled the scene in their getaway vehicle.
Madadeni police were alerted of the shooting and they swiftly responded to the scene. The suspects were traced to Newcastle where they were hiding at a rented house. With the assistance of the Newcastle Public Order Police, eight suspects aged between 29 and 39 were placed under arrest.
During the arrest it was discovered that the suspects are security guards. Four AK47 rifles, four pistols and 90 rounds of ammunition were seized from the suspects.
A vehicle suspected to be used in the commission of the offence was also seized by police for further investigation. The suspects appeared in the Madadeni Magistrates Court on charges of murder and attempted murder.
They were remanded in custody until 7 February 2022.
