A suspect believed to be involved in the mass murder that claimed six lives in Umlazi in August 2024 has been formally identified as a foreign national.
Umlazi mass murder suspect abandons bail bid
The 28-year-old man, who has been named as Melusi Dlamini, is originally from Eswatini. At this stage, authorities have not yet confirmed whether he is legally residing in South Africa.
Dlamini was arrested on Friday, 4 July 2025, in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, following a lengthy investigation by detectives from KwaZulu-Natal’s Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit.
He was charged with six counts of murder, as well as the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the tragic incident occurred on 17 August 2024 at an informal settlement in Umlazi’s V/6 Section.
Six men were gathered with three women when they were approached by two men pretending to be looking for cigarettes.
After being told that no cigarettes were being sold, the men left but soon returned and allegedly forced the women to lie down before opening fire on the men.
All six male victims were declared dead at the scene. Police investigations have revealed that the killings may have been motivated by revenge.
It is alleged that the victims, all Xhosa-speaking men, were previously involved in a conflict with a group of Swati nationals living in the same area.
“This was not a random act of violence,” said Colonel Netshiunda in a statement.
“The murders appear to have stemmed from a prior altercation between different community members.”
When Dlamini appeared at the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, he chose not to apply for bail. The court proceedings have been postponed to 14 August 2025 to allow further investigation and case preparation.
Meanwhile, police are still searching for a second suspect believed to have been involved in the attack. Authorities have not released additional information about this individual.
Dlamini remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Further developments are expected as the legal process unfolds.