Durban - After the arrest of a suspect in the mass murders in eZakheni near Ladysmith last month, a high-level provincial police task team has asked the public to help track down six men they believe could assist in solving the case.
Fifteen people were killed last month when suspects opened fire on a Gauteng-registered Mercedes-Benz.
One person was shot dead in the car while a taxi whose driver had tried to avoid the shooting collided head on with a truck - killing nine passengers.
Five more people were shot dead at a nearby car wash about 30 minutes later, when gunmen opened fire with rifles and pistols.
On Monday, a suspect in the case - Themba “Kiniti” Mvelase, appeared at the eZakheni Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and attempted murder.
A 9mm pistol and a .303 rifle were allegedly found at his hideout, a location that has not been disclosed by the police.
Provincial police spokes-man, Major Thulani Zwane, said the provincial task team - comprising members of the Hawks and National Intervention Unit - appealed for information from the community.
Police have issued warrants of arrest for two men - Thando and Sizwe Mabaso.
The other men they are looking for are Zitha Madondo, Gani Elias Mvelase, Senzo Liza Mvelase and Sifiso Gamede.
“These persons are required to assist us in our investigation of the shooting of a Mercedes-Benz where one person was killed and others were wounded at Pieters Road, Ladysmith, on October, 11 as well as the massacre where five people were shot while they were at a car wash in eZakheni on the same day,” Zwane said.
Community Safety MEC Willies Mchunu urged the community to help the police.
“We owe it to those innocent people and beloved relatives to ensure we work with the police to assist them to arrest and bring to justice those responsible for this nefarious deed. This is the only way we can help those who lost their loved ones to bring closure to their sufferings,” Mchunu said.
“Equally, the arrests and convictions of the killers will send a clear message to criminals that the long arm of the law will always catch up with them.”
Contact Colonel Bheki Khumalo of the provincial task team at 082 556 8642 or any police station. Alternatively, contact Crime Stop at 086 001 0111.
Daily News