Suspect linked to murder of 8 people in Umlazi set to make first court appearance

DURBAN - A suspect linked to the murder of eight people in Umlazi is set to make his first court appearance in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Monday.

The people were shot at an informal settlement in May. 

Six people were killed in the same area in 2021.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the suspect was arrested in Umlazi in May.

"Police acted on a tip-off from a community member and the suspect was found at his hideout spot at Emhlabeni informal settlement in Umlazi."

Police said the suspect also had a warrant of arrest issued against him for a November 2024 case of pointing a firearm.

The provincial government has since blamed such cases on the availability of illegal firearms.

READ: Firearms were used to commit nearly half of 6,953 murders recorded in Q3 of 2024 - SAPS