KZN premier condemns Umlazi mass shooting, urges swift action
He said the community must rail against people committing crimes and engaging in drugs. 'People must live in harmony we can achieve that if everyone in the province of KZN can stand together and say enough is enough.'
He urged community safety structures to work closely with the police to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
EThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba also condemned the mass murder, urging the police to leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators of 'the heinous' crime. Xaba also called on members of the community who might have witnessed the incident to share information with the police.
'We would like to convey our condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those who were left injured a speedy recovery. We have full confidence that the law enforcement agencies, led by Gen Mkhwanazi will find the suspects and bring them to book,' said Xaba.
Xaba also called for calm in the area, urging the community to give the police the space to conduct a thorough investigation.
The EFF in the province said they were mourning the death of the victims which included minors.
Provincial chairperson Mongezi Twala conveyed the party's condolences to the bereaved families and the broader community whose safety has once again been shattered by the relentless wave of violent crime gripping the province. Twala said the province remains one of the worst crime regions, which is compounded by the police service being under resourced.
'This brutal incident exposes yet again the urgent need for decisive state intervention to protect the lives and livelihood of our people,' said Twala.
He called upon the police to undertake a thorough, transparent and expeditious investigation that leaves no stone unturned and bring the perpetrators to justice.
'We further implore national and provincial government to allocate additional personnel, forensics capacity and specialised Investigative units to KwaZulu-Natal so that law enforcement agencies are better equipped to stem the pervasive tide of violence and immediately dissolve notorious gangs such as the West gang which continues to terrorise communities.'
He vowed the EFF will pursue every available mechanism, such as legislative, legal and community based mechanisms, to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
'We commit ourselves to working alongside the affected families until accountability is secured and genuine safety is restored in Umlazi. The blood of our people cannot be allowed to spill with impunity,' said Twala.
He said the government must act decisively. 'The community must be protected and the dignity of those whose lives were stolen must be honoured through swift and uncompromising justice.'
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