Christmas ambush leaves six dead
26 December 2009, 14:37
Six people were killed and three others injured on Friday night when three men armed with R5 and AK47 rifles entered a Ngwane house and opened fire, Kwa-Zulu Natal police said on Saturday.
According to National Police Commissioner, Bheki Cele, the gunmen entered the house at 11.30pm.
"A group of 11 friends were enjoying themselves when the three men entered. They simply opened fire on the group," said Cele.
Those killed in the attack include four men, aged between 20 and 25-years-old and two women, believed to be between 21 and 23-years-old.
Three others sustained gun shot wounds and were taken to nearby hospitals.
The motive for the attack is unknown, pending further investigation and no arrests have been made.
Police said the Durban Organised Crime Unit are investigating six counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. 'The police will spend sleepless nights to make sure that they bring the culprits to book," said Cele.
SABC news reported that a seventh person died in hospital on Saturday. However but police could not immediately confirm this information. -
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison, Willies Mchunu condemned the attack.
"On behalf of the Provincial Government, I send our deepest condolences to the families of six people killed yesterday. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," he said.
Mchunu appealed to members of the community to assist police in their investigation.
"A war against crime and criminals will be won if we build and sustain a united front. Collectively with the police, we must take the war to the front-yards, backyards and hideouts of criminals," he said.
Meanwhile Cele visited the scene on Saturday to offer his condolences to the victim's families.
He said the police have a mandate to protect all South Africans and appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Sapa
According to National Police Commissioner, Bheki Cele, the gunmen entered the house at 11.30pm.
"A group of 11 friends were enjoying themselves when the three men entered. They simply opened fire on the group," said Cele.
Those killed in the attack include four men, aged between 20 and 25-years-old and two women, believed to be between 21 and 23-years-old.
Three others sustained gun shot wounds and were taken to nearby hospitals.
The motive for the attack is unknown, pending further investigation and no arrests have been made.
Police said the Durban Organised Crime Unit are investigating six counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. 'The police will spend sleepless nights to make sure that they bring the culprits to book," said Cele.
SABC news reported that a seventh person died in hospital on Saturday. However but police could not immediately confirm this information. -
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison, Willies Mchunu condemned the attack.
"On behalf of the Provincial Government, I send our deepest condolences to the families of six people killed yesterday. I wish the injured a speedy recovery," he said.
Mchunu appealed to members of the community to assist police in their investigation.
"A war against crime and criminals will be won if we build and sustain a united front. Collectively with the police, we must take the war to the front-yards, backyards and hideouts of criminals," he said.
Meanwhile Cele visited the scene on Saturday to offer his condolences to the victim's families.
He said the police have a mandate to protect all South Africans and appealed for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Sapa
Cape Town
