LEADERS of community crime-fighting groups in Mtubatuba have urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into an attack by unknown gunmen last Monday night.
Chairperson of the Community Policing Forum, Ndoda Nhleko and the chairperson of Isikebhe, Maqimba Mantengu, both of Ward 9, survived a hail of bullets after more than 35 shots were fired in two separate attacks.
Nhleko said he was sitting at his dining room when his wife, who was about to go to bed, came running to tell him they were under attack.
‘I told her not to panic but to sit where she was. I then switched off the lights and started checking what was happening.
‘Shots were coming from all corners of the house. I went to my bedroom and opened the window; a shot was fired towards me but it missed and went through the headboard.
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‘They damaged my house and my car which was parked outside. I suspect that this was done by some of the criminals who are torturing the community.
‘We urge the police to do all their best to check who is behind this attack,’ he said
Mantengu said trouble began after they had a meeting with the CPF on Sunday, where they were conducting an interview with a suspect regarding the theft of livestock in Mandlanzini area.
‘The suspect revealed some information to us about who he works with and the following day we found ourselves under attack.
‘Nhleko called me following his attack and just minutes later I was also under fire.
‘Criminals are stealing water tanks and raping girls and widows are living in fear .’
Police spokesman Captain Justice Hlabisa said two cases of attempted murder are under investigation at Mtubatuba police station.
‘As police we condemned attack on human lives. Several 9 mm cartridges were found in both crime scenes.
‘We also appeal to the members of the public to assist with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects,’ he said.
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