KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a group of young boys who were seen in a widely circulated video brandishing firearms and firing shots at the KwaMashu hostel in Durban.
The video, which surfaced on social media a few weeks ago, caused widespread alarm and prompted swift action from law enforcement.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the suspects were arrested in Mandeni, where they were found in possession of firearms.
The KwaMashu Serious and Violent Crime detectives later linked the group to a series of heinous crimes committed in the area.
These include 11 cases of murder, eight counts of attempted murder, three hijackings, two truck-jackings, two house robberies, and two armed robberies.
Many of the hijackings were reported along the Dumisani Makhaye Highway, an area known for criminal activity.
The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court, with the Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, anticipated to attend the proceedings.
The presence of the provincial police chief underscores the seriousness of the charges and the importance of tackling violent crime in the region.
This arrest follows a similar incident in August, where five men were caught on camera firing shots at the KwaMashu hostel.
In that case, police arrested the suspects along Siyanda Main Road after responding to reports of an armed robbery.
Three firearms and a hijacked vehicle were recovered during that operation.
The latest arrests mark a significant breakthrough in addressing escalating violence in KwaMashu and surrounding areas.
Police have urged the community to continue reporting criminal activities, emphasizing the role of public cooperation in ensuring safety and reducing violent crime in the province.