KwaZulu-Natal - Six people were shot dead in northern Kwazulu-Natal after they caught a cattle rustler and went in search of stolen cattle.
“It is alleged that a group of men affiliated to a community-based anti-stock theft organisation called Isikebhe in Thaleni area, Msinga, apprehended a man suspected of stock theft,” police said of the massacre at noon yesterday.
“They allegedly took him to Nkunzini area, Nhlanhleni, to point out where he allegedly kept the stolen cattle whilst assaulting him.”
When they reached a homestead in Nkunzini area, police said, an argument followed between the Isikebhe members and the homeowner who raised the alarm, mobilising neighbours. “The Isikebhe members fled and were cornered and attacked by the community members.
“Six Isikebhe members were shot dead and one injured during the attack. He is in a critical condition in hospital,” police said.
Detectives were today combing the crime scene for evidence.
KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, was expected to fly to the area today.
The killings came days after five people were killed and 17 wounded in Sundumbili, also in northern KZN, over a feud between two clans over stolen cattle. – Daily News