The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has condemned the brutal killing of eight people at Taylors Halt. “It is very disturbing to learn that eight people were killed in such a brutal manner during two separate incidents at Taylors Halt on 26 August 2020. Information at hand indicates that these incidents could be because of a longstanding feud in the community. We once again appeal to our communities to refrain from using violence to address conflicts,” he said.
Just after 12:00, four men were repairing a vehicle when another vehicle arrived next to them. The occupants of the vehicle opened fire at them fatally wounding three men. The victims are aged between 33 and 37. The fourth victim who was injured during the shooting managed to escape and was taken to hospital for medical attention. The deceased were identified as Sbonelo Ndawo (33); Lawrence Zondi (33) and Ayanda Sishi (37).
At 20:00, five members of a family were attacked and shot by unknown suspects. The four women and one child were shot and fatally wounded at their home. About a kilometer away from the scene, a bakkie with bullet holes was found stationary on the road facing oncoming traffic. It was established that the driver (25) of the bakkie was taken to hospital after he was shot and wounded. The deceased were identified as Dingeni (70); Zodwa (61); Thobeka (24); Sphelele (12) and 16-month-old Thandolwethu Nxele.
Charges of murder and attempted murder were opened for investigation at Taylors Halt SAPS.
“We have visited the area and are very disturbed by what we heard. I have instructed that additional deployments to be brought into the area immediately to deal with rampant criminality in the area. I have also directed that a dedicated investigation team hit the ground running and to work none stop until the culprits responsible for these callous murders are brought to book,” added Lieutenant General Jula.
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