A man and woman were shot and killed at uMlazi’s notorious Glebelands Hostel on Wednesday night, just 10 days after the Moerane Commission investigating political killings in KwaZulu-Natal heard witness testimony about murders at the violence-ridden building.
Police said a 32-year-old man was shot in the head about 8.15pm.
About 15 minutes later, a 52-year-old woman, who runs a tuck shop near her home at the hostel, was also shot and killed.
Police spokesperson Thembeka Mbhele said the male victim was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
“The motive is unknown. A case of murder was opened at uMlazi police station for investigation.”
About the woman’s murder, Mbhele said: “It is alleged that yesterday just after 8.30pm the deceased was at her house where she is also running a tuck shop in Glebelands Hostel. “She was approached by two unknown suspects pretending to be customers.
“The suspects shot the deceased in the head and chest before fleeing the crime scene. The motive is still unknown.”
Community activist Vanessa Burger, who testified before the commission last week, said that the man killed on Wednesday was shot at Block P.
It was the second time he had been attacked, she alleged.
“On November 19, 2015, he was shot – together with his mechanic while working on his vehicle – in almost exactly the same manner at precisely the same time,” said Burger.
She said a CCTV camera and lighting on a high mast were located near Block P.
In her testimony before the commission, Burger said the hostel was a haven for hitmen who could be hired to operate throughout KZN and could be linked to at least 89 deaths in the province, including those of councillors.
Burger, the witness and others testifying before the commission, also alleged that police were involved in hiring hitmen from the hostel and sold weapons to killers-for-hire.
Despite the allegations, police watchdog the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) and SAPS are yet to confirm that they will appear before the commission.
Last Friday, commission chairman, advocate Marumo Moerane, Professor Cheryl Potgieter and advocate Vasu Gounden inspected three blocks at the hostel that were mentioned during witness testimony.
P Block did not form part of the visit.
The commission resumes its work on August 16 in Mayville, Durban.