Five people were shot and killed at Vulindlela shopping complex in KwaDlangezwa, Empangeni on Friday.
At 7.20pm a group of heavily armed men entered the shopping centre, shooting and killing five and injuring two more.
It is alleged that a group of criminals approached a supermarket and opened fire at the security guards and others in the vicinity. Among those killed were two security guards and an innocent bystander who had been sitting in his vehicle.
In a statement from police, the KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Bheki Langa condemned the attack, saying: “These criminals are merciless and killed innocent people because of their greed.”
The criminals then stole an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.
Police arrived to find the vehicle suspected to have been used by criminals idling at the scene.
Major General Langa said, “We have tasked seasoned detectives to investigate this case and bring the perpetrates to book. We urge the community at large not to panic and rather direct their anger towards assisting investigators with information that will lead to the arrest of these heartless thugs. ”
Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were opened at Mthunzini police station for further investigation.