Police in Inanda are investigating four counts of murder following a fatal shooting in Bhambayi just before midnight on Friday, 1 May 2026.According to South African Police Service (SAPS), a group of community patrollers were conducting routine patrols along Nohohwana Skeke Street when they encountered three men suspected of being involved in robberies in the area.
An altercation reportedly broke out, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the patrollers and the alleged suspects.Two people — a community patroller and one of the suspected criminals — were declared dead at the scene. Two additional community patrollers later died in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.Robert Netshiunda, the KZN SAPS Spokesperson, has cautioned against direct confrontations between community groups and suspected criminals.
He emphasised that while community involvement in crime prevention is essential, it must be done in coordination with police structures.“We encourage communities to be the eyes and ears of the police, not to place themselves in danger,” Netshiunda said, warning that criminals do not hesitate to use lethal force.Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
