KZN police launch manhunt for gunmen linked to murder of 6 women and 2 children

JOHANNESBURG - KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police have launched a manhunt for gunmen linked to the murder of six women including a five and two-year-old, in Ezakheni, near Ladysmith, on Monday night.

Police top brass have mobilised maximum resources to nab the suspects over the next 72 hours.

Twelve women were travelling in a bakkie when another vehicle appeared, and an unknown number of gunmen opened fire.

"Information at police disposal at this stage indicates that twelve people were travelling in a bakkie on Helpmekaar Road when another vehicle approached, and its occupants opened fire at the bakkie. Four women aged 37, two 17-year-olds, a 15-year-old, and girl children aged five- and two years old were declared dead at the scene. 

"The motive of the killing has not yet been established and police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111," said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshuinda.

Two men and three women survived the shooting with injuries and were rushed to hospital.

A 21-year-old woman escaped the shooting unharmed.