'Good riddance', says community following the killing of gang leader - IOL

The community of Mzomusha, in Inanda, north of Durban is hoping for some relief after a leader of a criminal gang was killed in a shootout with the police midweek.

The community of Mzomusha in Inanda and M Section in KwaMashu, north of Durban, has described the killing of the alleged leader of the West Gang as good riddance and a relief after he was shot dead in a police shootout midweek.

The deceased, known as Sniper, was killed during a police raid on a hideout in Mzomusha. He was allegedly wanted in connection with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, house robberies and other serious offences.

After news of his death spread, it emerged that Sniper was allegedly one of the gunmen seen in a video circulating earlier this week, in which armed men exchanged gunfire while chasing one another between houses in broad daylight.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deceased had terrorised residents.

“Many houses in the area are now unoccupied because of his criminal actions. People chose to lock their homes and leave for fear of their lives. We will now get some relief,” said the resident.

The founder of the eThekwini Neighbourhood Watch, Andile Jali, also said the community could breathe a sigh of relief following Sniper's death.

Jali said the deceased was not merely a member of the West Gang, but its leader.

“Ever since the death of Mnqobi (Nzimande), new leaders keep emerging. Sniper, too, is reportedly the latest leader,” said Jali.

He said at least four leaders had emerged since Nzimande's death in February last year.

Nzimande, 24, was notorious and went by different monikers, including Number 10 and General, before police gunned him down with his 27-year-old accomplice in a shootout in Cottonlands, Verulam. His funeral took place under heavy police presence and his family could not hold a night vigil.

Jali said another leader, Sinakhokonke Cele who went by the name Putin, was killed in June this year amid rivalries over territories controlled by protection-fee syndicates.

A few months ago, another gang leader, Mnqobi “Number 5” Mhlongo, was also killed in a police shootout.

Jali said the viral video that surfaced earlier this week, showing Sniper exchanging gunfire with other gunmen, was linked to a dispute over territory.

“I'd say the M-section at 12 and 14 was the cause. The street dividing the two parts is being disputed. Those from across the street don't want anyone crossing over to their side and vice versa,” said Jali.

He said the dispute was between criminal gangs, but residents were concerned about being caught in the crossfire.

“If a local was walking in the 12 section coming from the 14 section, they would be robbed of their cellphone and money. It occurred in both parts,” said Jali.

He said an e-hailing driver was killed last month while visiting his child.

Jali said he had brought the situation to the attention of police in the Durban region because residents had been forced to live with gunfire on a daily basis and at any time of the day.

He said private security companies, police, community policing forums and other crime-fighting structures were working together to restore some normality to the area.

“We are hopeful that it will be peaceful now,” said Jali.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the man was wanted for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and house robberies. His identity had not yet been released by police.

Officers received information that the wanted man was at a house in Ndimande Street, Mzomusha, Newtown C, in Inanda.

“Police operationalised the information, and when they arrived at the house, they found five men. Police introduced themselves and upon requesting to search the five men, one of them ran inside a house and shots were fired. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspect was shot and fatally wounded,” Netshiunda said.

Netshiunda said no police officer was injured during the shootout.

Last week, ANC KwaZulu-Natal task team co-ordinator James Nxumalo called for stronger action against political violence and criminal gangs in the province.

Nxumalo was speaking about the resurgence of political intolerance and targeted killings as a threat to the democratic process. He also addressed the targeting and killing of councillor candidates ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

The ANC singled out Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK), saying violent crime and lawlessness were having a serious impact on those communities.

“Equally alarming is the unrelenting grip of violent crime and lawlessness tormenting our people, particularly in the eThekwini region in areas such as Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu, where a ruthless syndicate of thugs calling themselves the ‘West Gang’ continues to hold law-abiding citizens hostage,” the ANC said.

“Crime is an enemy of economic progress and social stability, and the ANC remains firm in its commitment to building safer, gang-free townships where our people can live in freedom, safety, and dignity,” the ANC said.