By Bhekisisa Mncube
Durban – The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lt General Mammonye Ngobeni has expressed shock and disappointment following the senseless killing of five family members of Eshowe (Mbongolwane), some 146.9 km away from Durban at the weekend.
Ngobeni said the incident raised serious questions about the collapse of morals and lack of respect in society. However, she commended police officers for the swift arrest of the alleged perpetrators.
“We are confident that more arrests will be made soon,” she said.
A crack team of detectives, after a thorough investigation, made a breakthrough on Sunday when they arrested the five suspects believed to be involved in the attack.
Durban police spokesperson Captain Thulani Zwane said the suspects are due to appear in the Eshowe Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, July 30, to face five counts of murder.
Zwane explains how the horrific murders occurred: “On Saturday, 27 July, at approximately 8pm, Thulisile Mnyango (50) and her four children - Cebile Mnyango (21), Lungelo Mnyango (17), Mlamuli Mnyango (10) and Qiniso (2) - were at their homestead at Mbongolwane area when they were attacked by a group of unknown people, who set alight four houses and the five family members, who were in one of the houses, were burnt to death.”
Zwane told SAnews that it is suspected a petrol bomb was used during the attack. He said the motive for the killing was unknown at this stage and the Mbongolwane SAPS opened five cases of murder.
Kwanele Ncalane, the spokesperson for Willies Mchunu, the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, said the MEC has noted with concern the killing of the Mnyango family.
Ncalane said Mchunu has commended the police for swift action in apprehending the suspects.
“We will be sending a team from the Community Safety & Liaison Department to the area to engage with local crime fighting structures to ensure that this does not escalate into faction fighting,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
