Sanele Dlamini, 28, is set to stand trial in the Durban High Court for the 2025 Umlazi mass murders.
The victims were reportedly killed after they allegedly took the law into their own hands, attacking Dlamini and his brother and accusing them of carrying out a series of robberies.
On May 16, 2025, Dlamini, his brother Lungelo, and their friend Secunda Msomi were allegedly attacked by certain community members. Lungelo suffered severe injuries and succumbed to them on the same day.
Later that day, Dlamini is alleged to have retaliated, enlisting the help of others to avenge his brother’s death.
According to close sources, Dlamini and his companions went to the U-section, an informal settlement in Umlazi, where community members were celebrating having taught the brothers, including their friend Msomi, a lesson. Upon arrival, Dlamini and the others allegedly opened fire.
The shooting resulted in the fatal wounding of eight individuals: Sbanisezwe Ngcobo, Lindani Ngcobo, Mduduzi Ntobela, Nkanyiso Khumalo, Vumakwenkosi Ndlovu, Sihle Shange, Thandiswe Madondo, and Mbalenhle Mjoko.
According to the State, the victims sustained various fatal injuries, including multiple gunshot wounds, gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, and perforating gunshot injuries to the head and chest.
Four people survived the shooting: Ntokozo Mchunu, Siphokazi Mayeza, Mfanafuthi Dlamini, and Zamokuhle Mbube. After the incident, Dlamini and his accomplices reportedly fled the scene.
“The State alleges that the accused and his companions at all material times acted in concert and in furtherance of a common purpose to commit the crimes,” read the indictment.
Dlamini, who is from Umlazi, recently informed the High Court that he plans to call witnesses for his defense during the trial.
Judge Jacqueline Henriques postponed the matter to early May for the trial to commence.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za
