7 Heavily armed men douse 15 house occupants with fuel, set them on fire

South African Police Service

7 Heavily armed men douse 15 house occupants with fuel, set them on fire
7 Heavily armed men douse 15 house occupants with fuel, set them on fire

Police in Taylors Halt have launched a massive manhunt after eight people were burnt to death inside a house at Msunduzi Location in Taylors Halt, Pietermaritzburg on Sunday evening, 14 May 2023.

It is reported that 15 men, whose ages range between 25 and 46 years old, were inside a house when seven suspects, reportedly armed with rifles, came and asked them about the whereabouts of the owner of the house.

After realizing that the owner was not there, the men reportedly instructed the occupants of the house to undress, before pouring liquid substances on them and set them alight.

Eight men reportedly died at the scene while four victims survived with severe burn wounds and were rushed to hospital for medical attention.

The suspects are unknown at this stage and the motive of the killing is yet to be established, although drug-related issues could not be ruled out.

Police are pleading with anyone who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police or call our crime stop number 08600 10111.

Alternatively they can tip-off the police anonymously through the MySAPS App.

SAPS Newsroom

SOURCESouth African Police Service