The community of Mzomusha, in Inanda, north of Durban, is hailing the killing of a notorious gang leader as a welcome relief. The deceased, known as Sniper, was shot dead in a police shootout midweek at a hideout in Mzomusha. He was wanted in connection with murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, house robberies, and other serious offences. Residents had been living in fear of Sniper and his gang, with many houses in the area now unoccupied due to his criminal actions.
Sniper's death has brought hope to the community that they will now be able to live without the constant threat of violence. A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Sniper had terrorized residents, forcing them to lock their homes and leave for fear of their lives. The community member expressed relief that Sniper was no longer a threat, saying, "We will now get some relief." The founder of the eThekwini Neighbourhood Watch, Andile Jali, also welcomed Sniper's death, saying the community could breathe a sigh of relief.
According to Jali, Sniper was not just a member of the West Gang but its leader. He said at least four leaders had emerged since the death of Mnqobi Nzimande 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.
The killing of Sniper is the latest in a series of gang leader deaths in the area. In June this year, another leader, Sinakhokonke Cele, who went by the name Putin, was killed 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.
The dispute was reportedly between criminal gangs, but residents were concerned about being caught in the crossfire. Jali said residents had been forced to live with gunfire on a daily basis and at any time of day. He said an e-hailing driver was killed last month while visiting his child. Jali had brought the situation to the attention of police in the Durban region, and private security companies, police, community policing forums, and other crime-fighting structures were working together to restore some normality to the area.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that Sniper was wanted for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and house robberies. He said officers received information that the wanted man was at a house in Ndimande Street, Mzomusha, Newtown C, in Inanda. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspect was shot and fatally wounded. Netshiunda said no police officer was injured during the shootout.
The ANC has called for stronger action against political violence and criminal gangs in the province. ANC KwaZulu-Natal task team coordinator James Nxumalo said violent crime and lawlessness were having a serious impact on communities in Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu. The ANC said crime was an enemy of economic progress and social stability and remained firm in its commitment to building safer, gang-free townships where people could live in freedom, safety, and dignity.
Key points
- The community of Mzomusha welcomes the death of notorious gang leader Sniper, hoping for an end to violent crime.
- Sniper's death is the latest in a series of gang leader killings in the area, amid ongoing rivalries and disputes over territory.
- The ANC has called for stronger action against political violence and criminal gangs in the province, citing the impact on communities.
