Another brutal killing has rocked the notorious Glebelands hostel in Durban.
Thirty-year-old Sazi Nonkawana is the latest victim of the deadly brawl which has characterised the social fabric of the uMlazi-based hostel.
Earlier reports indicate that Nonkawana, residing on the hostel’s Block R, was cornered and sprayed with bullets while on his way to work early on Wednesday.
Lizwi Kheswa of Ubunye Bamahostela, an organisation advocating for peace among hostel dwellers, confirmed the killing, saying it was unexpected.
“Just this weekend, eight people were killed and we thought somehow the killers would lie low because they know they are wanted by the police,” said Kheswa.
“This is a clear indication that those who don’t want peace in the hostel are also showing a middle finger at the police. We are shocked and beyond words at this heartless murder. Nine people have been killed in a space of four days.”
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda could not immediately confirm the murder.
The fatal shooting follows hot on the heels of the death of eight people at the weekend. The men had been sitting in one of the rooms consuming alcohol when they were ambushed.
Announcing the crime statistics last week, Police Minister Bheki Cele was at pains when he revealed that uMlazi and Inanda continue to top the murder and sexual crimes.
The murders in Glebelands hostel and political killings in the province prompted former KwaZulu-Natal premier Willies Mchunu to appoint a commission of inquiry headed by advocate Marumo Moerane.
Tasked with investigating the cause of the killings the commission found, among others, that the key driver of the killings was the battle to call the shots at the hostel. Its recommendations are yet to be implemented.
Since 2020, more than 30 people have been killed in the Glebelands hostel. In 2022, eight men including a police officer were sentenced for being the masterminds fanning the killings from 2014 to 2016.
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