A year-long investigation into a mass shooting in uMlazi has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national believed to be one of the gunmen involved in the brutal murder of six men at an informal settlement in V/6 Section on 17 August 2024.

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, the suspect, Melusi Dlamini, was arrested in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on Friday, 4 July 2025.

“Relentless investigation by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives has resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national for the murder of six people,” said SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

On the night of the killings, six men were drinking alcohol with three women when they were approached by two men claiming to be looking for cigarettes. After being told that no one was selling, the men left, only to return moments later.

“They instructed the three women to lie down as they fired shots at the male victims. Six men were shot and declared dead at the scene,” the statement read.

Investigations later revealed that the attack was reportedly motivated by revenge. It is believed the deceased, all Xhosa-speaking men, had previously been involved in a physical altercation with Swati nationals in the same area.

Dlamini, identified as a Swati national, was charged with six counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of ammunition. He appeared in the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 7 July 2025, where he abandoned his bail application. The matter was remanded to 14 August 2025.

Police say they are still searching for the second suspect involved in the shooting. “Investigations are underway in search of the second suspect,” said Netshiunda.

The SAPS has called on members of the public who may have information about the second suspect to come forward.

THE MERCURY 

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