By Hajira Khota

On Friday, fourteen individuals were killed in two separate mass shootings in KwaZulu-Natal, which authorities think were linked to drugs.

According to spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker who spoke to Radio Islam International, eight of the victims were slain by gunshots at a homestead in Esigcakini, Richmond, at 9 p.m.

Neighbors in Richmond, according to Naicker, heard gunshots and rushed to investigate.

The other event, which occurred at 2.30 p.m. in Amaoti, Inanda, claimed the lives of six men aged 18 to 26.

“According to information received from the neighborhood, Naicker says that the property appears to have been utilised as a drug den, and the attack is considered to be drug-related.”

“Information acquired at the scene suggests that the fatalities were drug users, and that the attack was possibly drug-related.”

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal has also raised alarm over the increase in mass shootings and deaths in the area. Nhlakanipho Ntombela, the ANC’s provincial spokesperson, said one of the primary issues communities confront is drug usage, with drug lords competing for territorial control in order to trade with impunity and carry out their criminal actions.

Naicker has urged residents to report criminals who instil fear and mayhem in their community.

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