VIOLENCE in oBanjeni Reserve has intensified with residents attacking each other with bush and cane knives, in a ongoing conflict between two villages under the leadership of Induna Gumede.
uMthunzini police have deployed officers to the area, in an attempt to calm the situation which has so far claimed three lives.
Police said the current fight between eMahholweni and KwaSbhamu villagers has been going on for some time.
However, the reason for the battle remains undiscovered.
According to uMthuzini police, on 26 December at about 6pm, two community members were stabbed and hacked with cane knives during the fight and died on the scene.
Two more were also reported to have been rushed to hospital for medical attention, and one died in the emergency room.
Twelve community members between the ages of 18 and 25 were then arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and assault with intention to cause bodily harm.
uMthuzini SAPS spokesperson Lt Sbusiso Guma said police have been deployed in the area, to prevent more violence and deaths.
‘Police are working 24 hours, watching and monitoring the situation. We believe this fight is some revenge attack from both villages.
