Police appeal to residents after Umlazi deadly crime spree
KZN police are urging residents in Umlazi not to take the law into their own hands.
This comes after eight people were wounded after they were shot during a robbery at a tavern in the township's G-section on Saturday.
A short while later, four members of the Mzila family were shot dead in their home.
It's believed the same gang was behind the attacks. One of the suspects died in a shootout with police who had responded when neighbours alerted them about the attack at the Mzila home.
ALSO READ: PMB shooting attack leaves one dead, two critical
Two other suspects fled the scene and remain on the run.
#sapsKZN Four family members fatally shot in Umlazi, G Section early this am. Suspect fatally wounded. ME https://t.co/wOCvdKkNAy pic.twitter.com/Mljfv1KkbX
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) February 25, 2017
Spokesperson Thembeka Mbele says they’re working around the clock to find the suspects.
"The case that's going to be opened for now is public violence. Statements will be taken from all the witnesses - which will help in determining whether other cases will be open. We just want to appeal to the community to just calm down because that amounts to vigilantism and if the cases are open - arrests will be made," she said.
Yesterday, three homes thought to be those of the suspects were torched, apparently by angry community members.
One of the families was taken to a place of safety by police when thousands of community members went to their home.