DURBAN – It is alleged that on 13 November 2021 at 21:15, a 54-year-old man arrived at his homestead at Dlangubo in Eshowe. While he was opening the door of his rondavel, he was accosted by four armed men who shot at him. He sustained gunshot wounds on the body and was declared dead at the scene. It was suspected that one of the suspects was wounded because a trail of blood was seen from the crime scene towards the bush.

The deceased’s firearm was also found cocked open. The deceased was identified as Nkosi Hlanganani Cameron Biyela (54). Police officers from the K9 Unit were also summoned to the scene to search for the suspects but the suspects were not found. A case of murder was opened at Eshowe SAPS. The docket was transferred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for investigation.

On 27 January 2022, the investigation led the team of detectives to the arrest of two suspects aged 27 and 28. The suspects appeared in the Eshowe Magistrates Court. The matter was adjourned to 7 February 2022.

Yesterday at 12:30, a team of detectives from various stations proceeded to Matshana in Ngwelezane to search for the suspects. The information led police to a church where the suspects were hiding. Upon arrival at the said place, police were met by a hail of bullets. A gun battle ensued and the suspect believed to be in his thirties was fatally wounded. A shotgun suspected to be used in the killing of the Inkosi was found next to the deceased suspect. Two other suspects aged 25 and 30 who were also at the same church were found in possession of two pistols with 16 rounds of ammunition in each firearm. The suspects are appearing in the Ngwelezane Magistrates Court today on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Source: South African Police Service