UPDATE: Man appears in court for Mariannhill massacre
Police are still looking for more suspects after one of them was killed during a shootout with police in Umbumbulu.
MBONGISENI Brian Shozi (24) who was arrested for the Mariannhill murder, appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court yesterday, (16 October) on charges of murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
This follows the brutal murder of five family members in Nteke, Mariannhill on Thursday, 6 October.
The family was accosted by gunmen who fired multiple shots at the five members aged between 19 and 34.
Four of the family members died at the scene and the other victim died in hospital on arrival.
ALSO READ: Family of five murdered by unknown gunmen in Mariannhill
On Sunday, 8 October, the Provincial Organised Crime Task Team members, National Intervention Unit, Crime Intelligence, Mariannhill detectives and KwaNdengezi SAPS arrested three men for the murder and the fourth suspect, Shozi who was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and 11 rounds of ammunition was arrested later on the day.
“The other three men were released due to insufficient evidence,” said KZN police spokesman, Capt Nqobile Gwala.
Shozi was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 24 October for a bail application.
Police are now searching for another man whom they believe is also involved in this murder.
Last week Wednesday, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit assisted by KwaNdengezi police were following up on information with regards to the whereabouts of outstanding suspects allegedly involved in the Mariannhill massacre.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Suspects arrested for Mariannhill family murder
“Investigations led police to Umbumbulu where police spotted two of the suspects walking along a gravel road. When the police attempted to apprehend the men, it is alleged the men opened fire at police officers who also responded.
“One man was shot dead and the second managed to escape,” said Gwala.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Langa welcomed the latest development in the investigation.
“This gives me hope and shows that the investigation team is not resting. We hope that those who have managed to evade arrest will be arrested soon,” he said.
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