eSwatini National Arrested for August 2024 ‘Revenge’ Murders in uMlazi

• A foreign national has been arrested in connection with the murder of six men in uMlazi.
• Victims were shot in a revenge attack on August 17, 2024.
• The shooter, Melusi Dlamini, faces multiple charges, including murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
• An investigation lasting a year has led to Dlamini’s arrest in Gauteng.
• Police are seeking a second suspect involved in this brutal case.

Major Developments in a Year-long Investigation

A recent breakthrough in a tragic case has led to the arrest of Melusi Dlamini, a 28-year-old Swati national, connected to the grisly murder of six men in uMlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. The arrest took place in Krugersdorp, Gauteng on July 4, 2025, marking the culmination of a year-long investigation by the local authorities. According to a statement released by Colonel Robert Netshiunda from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the relentless efforts of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit were crucial in this arrest. Dlamini is now facing serious charges that include six counts of murder, among others, linked to this brutal incident.

Details of the Tragic Event Emerge

The mass shooting occurred on the evening of August 17, 2024, when six men, accompanied by three women, were socializing at an informal settlement in V/6 Section. Eyewitness accounts indicate that two men approached the group under the pretense of searching for cigarettes, only to return later and launch a ferocious attack on the unsuspecting victims. The assailants ordered the three women to lie down before opening fire on the six men, ultimately leading to their deaths at the scene. It has since been suggested that the motive behind this horrific act was rooted in revenge, with reports indicating a previous altercation involving the deceased and Swati nationals.

Authorities Seek Public Assistance for Further Leads

Dlamini, arrested and now in custody, appeared before the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court on July 7, 2025, and interestingly chose to abandon his bail application. His case has been remanded until August 14, 2025, as investigations continue. The police are still actively searching for a second suspect believed to be involved in the shooting. SAPS has reached out to the public for assistance, imploring anyone with information about this unidentified individual to come forward and aid the ongoing investigation. This plea emphasizes the critical role of community involvement in solving such heinous crimes.

In summary, the arrest of Melusi Dlamini marks a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the tragic uMlazi shooting that claimed the lives of six men. As the police continue their search for a second suspect, community support is crucial in bringing justice to the victims and their families. The implications of this case underscore the broader issues of violence and intergroup tensions that are often seen in local communities.