Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating the gruesome killings of five men who were hacked to death in the Bambayi area of Inanda, north of Durban, on Friday morning. The attack, allegedly carried out with a bush knife, has shocked the community and prompted a manhunt for the suspects.
## Discovery of the Bodies
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa), their Phoenix operation center received emergency calls at approximately 6:40 am. One call came from a bus passenger traveling along Curnick Ndlovu Highway (M25), who reported seeing three bodies in a field near Inanda Newtown Comprehensive High School.
Upon arrival, Rusa officers, paramedics, and police found three victims who had been brutally attacked. One man had a partially amputated right hand, while another had suffered a crushed skull. Shortly after, authorities were informed of two additional bodies discovered in a nearby field, roughly one kilometer from the first crime scene. These victims also showed signs of being hacked to death.
## Victims and Circumstances
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the victims, aged between 19 and 25, were allegedly abducted from their homes in Bambayi around midnight. Their bodies were discovered hours later, bearing severe injuries. “One of the victims had his arm chopped off,” said Netshiunda.
The killings have sparked speculation among locals, with some alleging the five men were known for criminal activities, including robbery and drug use. Witnesses interviewed at the scene claimed the victims had been terrorizing the community and were responsible for multiple sexual assaults on female students.https://twitter.com/MDNnewss/status/1880147461735666082?s=19
## Community’s Alleged Role
Residents reportedly tracked down the men on Thursday night and took justice into their own hands. Authorities suspect this was a case of mob retaliation, as community frustration with crime reached a breaking point.
## Police Call for Information
The KwaZulu-Natal police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating the perpetrators. “We urge anyone with information regarding the suspects to contact their nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number on 08600-10111,” said Netshiunda.
## Broader Implications
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of vigilantism and the urgent need for improved law enforcement and community relations. While the community’s frustration is understandable, taking the law into one’s hands undermines the justice system and can lead to further violence.
As investigations continue, the Bambayi community is left grappling with the aftermath of this brutal act, reflecting the dire consequences of unresolved tensions and a lack of trust in authorities.