Durban - Five men aged between 39 and 40 were shot dead in a hail of bullets while travelling in a taxi in KwaDabeka.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said KwaDabeka police were investigating charges of murder.
Gwala said it was alleged that the incident happened on Sunday at 7pm.
“Five males aged between 39 and 40 were travelling in a taxi along 19th Street in KwaDabeka when they were ambushed by unknown suspects who opened fire, fatally wounding the victims,” Gwala said.
“They sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the body. It is alleged that the victims were travelling from a funeral when shots were fired at them causing the driver to lose control and hit a concrete wall.”
Gwala said the matter was being investigated.
According to more information from a police source, three of the victims were Sibonelo “Nikki” Shezi, Sibusiso Shezi and Siko (surname unknown).
The source said that a red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was travelling down 19th Avenue when an unknown number of suspects started shooting at the vehicle, resulting in the driver losing control and crashing down a bank.
“After the shooting, the suspects were seen going into the vehicle, before they came out with a big black bag and then fled in an unknown getaway car,” the source said.
It was further alleged that no witnesses were prepared to give statements.
“Victims were shot all over their bodies, mainly on their heads.”
“Motive is unknown at the moment. However, it is suspected that the incident is drug-related.”
The source said that the driver of the vehicle, Sibonelo Shezi, was a known criminal and drug dealer.
“Several 9mm and rifle cartridge cases were found at the crime scene and taken as evidence,” the source said.
The source added that all the deceased would be profiled.
Daily News