Foreign national arrested for mass Umlazi murder
His case was remanded to August 14, 2025. Investigations are underway in search of the second suspect.
Relentless investigation by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old foreign national for the murder of six people, who were shot and killed at an informal settlement at V/6 Section in Umlazi on August 17, 2024.
ALSO READ: Murderers sentenced to life in prison for taxi-related crimes
Provincial police spokesperson, Col Robert Netshiunda, said, “On that fateful night, six men were consuming alcohol with three women when they were approached by two unknown men who claimed that they wanted to buy cigarettes, but were told to leave as no one was selling cigarettes. The two men left, only to return moments later and instruct the three women to lie down as they fired shots at the male victims. Six men were shot and declared dead at the scene.”
Investigations uncovered that the killings were revenge-motivated. It is reported that the deceased victims, who were both Xhosa-speaking, had allegedly fought with Swati nationals, who resided in the same area.
Melusi Dlamini, a 28-year-old Swati national, was arrested at Krugersdorp in Gauteng province on Friday, July 4, 2025, and was charged with six counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition.
ALSO READ: Wanted suspect killed in confrontation with Umlazi detectives
He appeared in the Umlazi Magistrates Court on Monday, July 7, 2025, where he abandoned bail. His case was remanded to August 14, 2025. Investigations are underway in search of the second suspect.
