MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Bheki Ntuli has strongly condemned the cold-blooded murder of five people on Thursday morning (March 5), which has sent shock waves throughout Ladysmith.
It is believed that six men were in a house in Mhlanga Street, Ezakheni B-Section, when three or four men armed with firearms entered the house during the early hours of Thursday morning and opened fire. Five of the six occupants were killed. The lone survivor was rushed to hospital.
The five victims, who are not related, were between 25 and 35 years of age.
The motive behind the shooting is unknown at this stage and police are following up on all possible leads. Police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.
“I am deeply disturbed by the callous murder of five people in Ezakheni B-Section in Ladysmith and have instructed police to ensure that those behind the killings are arrested. The docket will be investigated by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. We urge the community to assist police with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to ensure that justice prevails,” said MEC Ntuli.
The MEC says there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that the killings are related to taxi violence or the recent protest action that led to the shutting down of Ladysmith.
“We are monitoring the situation in Ladysmith very closely. The South African Police Service will continue to maintain high visibility in Ladysmith and arrest those involved in criminal acts. Government is committed to addressing all service delivery concerns raised by residents and will continue to engage with stakeholders in order to ensure peace and stability,” added MEC Ntuli.
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