A 28-year-old foreign national has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting that claimed the lives of six men in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, in August 2024.

The suspect, identified as Melusi Dlamini, a Swati national, was apprehended last week in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. He now faces six counts of murder, as well as additional charges for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the fatal shooting occurred on 17 August 2024 at V/6 Section in Umlazi, where a group of six men were socializing at an informal settlement.

“Three women were also present at the gathering when two unknown men approached and asked to buy cigarettes,” said Netshiunda. “The group responded that no cigarettes were available, and the men left — only to return minutes later.”

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Upon their return, the suspects reportedly instructed the women to lie down before opening fire on the six men, who were all pronounced dead at the scene. The women were left unharmed.

Investigations later revealed that the attack was revenge-driven, possibly linked to previous altercations between Xhosa-speaking locals and Swati nationals in the area. Police believe the massacre was targeted and premeditated.

Dlamini made his first court appearance at the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court, where he chose not to apply for bail. The matter has been postponed to 14 August for further investigation.

🔎 Related Charges

Police confirmed that beyond the murder charges, Dlamini is also facing:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Unlawful possession of ammunition

🧠 Community Tension & Ethnic Clashes

The Umlazi shooting has raised concerns over inter-community violence, particularly in areas where foreign nationals and South African locals live in close proximity under difficult conditions.

Police have urged community members to come forward with any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.

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