Arrest Made in uMlazi Revenge Murders of Six Men
- A 28-year-old eSwatini national has been arrested for the uMlazi murders.
- Melusi Dlamini is linked to the shooting of six men in August 2024.
- The shooting is believed to be motivated by revenge after a prior altercation.
Arrest of Main Suspect After Prolonged Investigation
A year-long inquiry into a harrowing mass shooting in uMlazi has resulted in the arrest of a 28-year-old eSwatini national. This individual, Melusi Dlamini, is believed to be one of the gunmen behind the brutal killings of six men at an informal settlement, specifically in V/6 Section, on August 17, 2024. Authorities apprehended Dlamini in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on July 4, 2025, as part of an ongoing effort by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit detectives to resolve the case.
Details of the Fatal Shooting Incident
According to a statement from Colonel Robert Netshiunda of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, the investigation progressed significantly after exhaustive efforts by law enforcement officials. The unsettling events unfolded one night when six men were drinking with three women. Two suspects posed as individuals looking for cigarettes but soon turned violent, forcing the women to the ground and opening fire on the men.
Revenge Motive and Charges Against Suspect
This horrible act was reportedly rooted in revenge. It appears that the victims, all of Xhosa descent, had been involved in a previous altercation with eSwatini nationals in the same area. Dlamini is facing serious charges—six counts of murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and also unlawful possession of ammunition. He made his first court appearance at the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court on July 7, 2025, opting not to apply for bail, and the next court date is set for August 14, 2025.
In summary, the tragic mass shooting in uMlazi has led to the arrest of Melusi Dlamini, an eSwatini national, connected to the deaths of six men. The investigation that spanned over a year highlights ongoing issues of violence and revenge in certain communities. As police continue to search for a second suspect, they urge the public to assist with vital information.
