Rise in gun violence in KwaDukuza sparks urgent call for action
In the wake of the shootings, KwaDukuza CPF chairperson Dr. Mfuneni Zungu spoke out about the urgent need for action to address the problem of illegal firearms.
In a devastating family tragedy, a 14-year-old boy lost his life on Monday afternoon after accidentally being shot by his 15-year-old brother at their home in Stanger Manor’s Clover Road.
According to KwaDukuza police spokesperson, Constable Sipesihle Myeni, the older brother was searching for a cell phone when he discovered his late father’s 9mm Taurus firearm which was hidden in a bag in a cupboard near the bed.
Not realising the danger, he picked up the weapon, aimed it at his brother and pulled the trigger.
Despite efforts of paramedics from IPSS Medical Rescue, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
This follows hot on the heels of a brutal murder that rocked the community just a few days earlier – the killing of a 23-year-old woman, allegedly at the hands of her 44-year-old boyfriend in Dube Village, Groutville.
The boyfriend was subsequently arrested and appeared in the KwaDukuza court on charges of murder and possession of an illegal firearm.
In another incident, 16-year-old Rethabile Mashile was brutally murdered by an unknown gunman in Ntshawini two weeks ago, shot at close rage during the day. No arrest has been made.
Three Community Policing Forum (CPF) members were also shot and wounded in Ntshawini while on patrol.
In the wake of these shootings, KwaDukuza CPF chairperson Dr. Mfuneni Zungu spoke out about the urgent need for action to address the problem of illegal firearms.
He said last week CPF members had helped to apprehend a group of men who were found in possession of illegal firearms.
“They monitored a car in the KwaDukuza CBD throughout the night and eventually called the police and the car was stopped and searched. What were they planning to do with those firearms is the question.”
The men were arrested in Lindley Street and will appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court soon.
Zungu highlighted the disturbing trend of young boys carrying guns, both in the community and even in schools, and called on residents to work together with the police to tackle the issue.
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