Hostel tense after latest murders
The situation at Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi is still tense after the brutal killing of two people on Saturday night.
Yesterday police patrolled the streets near the hostel, which is known to be home for some of the country’s most dangerous hitmen.
No one was willing to comment on the recent killings.
Bongani Hlophe and Bandile Ngcobo were shot and killed, execution-style on Saturday. They were both in the same room in block 52 when they were attacked.
One suspect was arrested on Sunday, just a few hours after the shooting.
The incident comes about a month after William Mthembu and Thokozani Machi were killed at Montclair Shopping Centre. The suspect is allegedly linked to Mthembu and Machi’s killings.
The latest killings are believed to be linked to a confl ict over the allocation of beds at the hostel.
But a source, who wished to remain anonymous, believes the violence is perpetrated by hitmen ( izinkabi) who have taken over the hostel.
“There are all sorts of people here at the hostel, even criminals are found here, izinkabi and lots of them,” he said.
He said criminals use the hostel as a place to hide after committing crimes.
MEC for transport, community safety and liaison Willies Mchunu said there had been repeated attempts to stabilise the hostel, but the killings had continued.
“The police has done its work by arresting the suspects in the various Glebelands cases. The community must denounce violence and unite to isolate criminals and perpetrators of violence,” he said.