Memorial held for slain KZN family of eight

KwaZulu-Natal social development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has expressed concern that most correctional service centres are crowded with young people who have committed serious crimes.

Speaking at a memorial service for members of a family killed in Imbali township, Pietermaritzburg, Khoza said it was “disappointing criminals who continue to murder innocent and defenceless people are young people”.

“As a nation we really need to find a solution to deal with drugs in our communities.

“No person in his sober senses would murder so many people.

“These drugs make users brave and kill with so much ease,” she said.

On Friday last week, 10 people, including eight from the same family and two visitors, were killed by two gunmen at their home in Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg.

The attackers allegedly posed as police officers and the first person they shot was a boy who had opened the door for them.

Premier Nomusa DubeNcube condemned the attack and called on police to “leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators of this horrendous act”. One of the suspects in the mass shooting, a known criminal, was later shot dead while another suspect escaped.

Khoza said the government, together with communities, also needed to deal with the mushrooming of taverns.

She said it was painful that some criminals were supported by their families.

“There are people who feed and wash for criminals who kill innocent and defenceless people.

“If we were to fix the challenges we faced as the people of this country, families should stop supporting and providing for their children involved in any form of crime.”