The police have launched a manhunt for three men who opened fire and killed nine people in Clare Estate, Durban.
THE POLICE are hunting for three men who shot and killed nine people in Clare Estate, Durban, on Sunday.
Palmiet Road informal settlement residents, who did not want to be named, said they were awoken by screams, bangs and then gunshots. The shooting took place between Saturday night and Sunday morning.
At some of the houses, the community found footprints on the door leading them to believe that the doors were kicked opened. The community said everyone was asleep.
Some said the shooters ran out of bullets. Otherwise more could have been killed.
The settlement is built on a slope with many pathways between the homes.
“It is difficult for us to comment because among us could be the killers. We are living in fear,” said a resident.
Among those killed was Clifford Moyo, 28, who worked at Jolly Meats in Clare Estate for several years. Staff said that they were shocked to hear the news.
His brother Jacob Chuma said they were trying to piece together what happened.
“He worked hard daily. He had family in Johannesburg and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Why he was targeted, we don’t know.”
The body of Siphesihle Maphisa, 28, was discovered by relatives on Sunday morning. He was slumped under a table in his room. His door was kicked open.
His cousin Vincent Maphisa said they saw his door slightly open and when neighbours called out his name, their calls went unanswered. He worked as an electrician.
Two children, Thandolwethu Mathanga, five, and Yanga Mathanga, nine, were also found dead with gunshot wounds.
Sydenham police are investigating the murders. No arrests have been made.
