Key points:
- Six people were killed during and after a peace march in Amaoti.
- Residents blame police inaction and demand military intervention.
- The ANC condemned the killings and urged law enforcement to act.
Six people were shot and killed in separate incidents during and after a peace march in Amaoti, Inanda, near Durban this week, further escalating concerns about violent crime in the area.
The attacks occurred on Sunday and Monday, leaving residents in fear and prompting urgent calls for government intervention. The community had organized the peace march to protest ongoing violence, which they say has been exacerbated by police inaction.
Community demands action amid growing violence
Residents had sought direct engagement with Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu, hoping his intervention would lead to concrete solutions. According to a local community member, one protester personally contacted Mchunu, who agreed to address the issue. However, before he could arrive, violence erupted.
“At around 11 a.m., after the march, gunshots rang out. We rushed outside and found three bodies lying in the street,” a resident recounted.
The Community Policing Forum (CPF) in Amaoti described a worsening crisis. CPF chairperson Mbongeni Phewa revealed that 11 people were killed in the last two weeks of February and the first two weeks of March. With the latest killings, the death toll has climbed to 16.
“We bury someone almost every day here,” Phewa said. “We know these criminals—they live among us, and their families know them.”
He attributed the surge in violence to drug abuse and alleged muti rituals, which some criminals reportedly use for protection.
Calls for military intervention
CPF leaders confirmed that they had contacted Mchunu, requesting his presence to address the crisis. However, due to other commitments, he sent a representative instead. During the meeting, CPF members called for increased police patrols and suggested deploying military personnel for at least six months to restore stability.
Phewa also pointed to load shedding as a contributing factor. Every time the power goes out, someone gets killed,” he said, explaining how criminals take advantage of darkness to carry out attacks.
Political condemnation and calls for justice
The most recent victims of the violence were identified as Bonginkosi Dladla, 44, Simon Mofokeng, 34, and Sanele Khumalo. Another person was injured in Monday’s attack.
The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal condemned the killings, particularly as some victims were linked to the CPF. ANC KZN Provincial Task Team (PTT) coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on community crime activists.
“These violent acts not only rob families of their loved ones but also undermine the collective efforts of communities striving for safety and security,” he said.
The ANC has called on law enforcement to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice. The party also reiterated the need for stronger protection measures for community crime fighters, a concern previously raised by Mchunu.
“Mchunu and Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi must immediately roll out a program to protect anti-crime activists who are being targeted by criminals,” Mabuyakhulu said.
