Durban – Eight people have been shot dead at a tavern in Umlazi, south-west of Durban, in eThekwini.
The Friday night bloody massacre in which gunmen fired multiple shots at patrons at the tavern in the Umlazi U section left six men and two women dead.
Alerted to the shooting, ALS Paramedics, police, and several security personnel rushed to the scene, where they found a horrific scene.
Paramedics arrived on the scene after 9 pm.
Police, who arrived earlier, had already cordoned off the entire area.
“Together with EMRS, ALS Paramedics were shown where the lifeless bodies lay outside what is believed to be a tavern,” said ALS Paramedics Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson.
“Six males and two Females were declared deceased on the scene due to the multiple gunshot wounds they had sustained.”
Jamieson said events leading up to the shooting were unknown “at this stage”.
No arrests have been reported; however, the South African Police Service is investigating further.
Commenting on the massacre, the Ministry of Police said, “it strongly condemns the senseless and brutal killing of eight people – six men and two women in Umlazi, KZN last night”.
The ministry said it was reported that the victims were indoors when an unknown number of suspects entered and opened fire, killing them at the scene.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stated: “The attack, which claimed the lives of innocent individuals is a horrific act of violence that has no place in our society.
“We condemn this heinous crime in the strongest possible terms. Such calculated and cold-blooded violence tears at the fabric of our communities.
“A dedicated team of investigators has been assigned to pursue every lead, gather critical evidence, and bring those behind this atrocity to book.
“We will not rest until those responsible face the consequences of their actions.”
Minister Mchunu added: “We call on members of the community to stand together with law enforcement during this time.
“If you have any information, no matter how small, that may assist in identifying or locating the perpetrators, we urge you to come forward.
“You can contact your nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number anonymously at 08600 10111.”
