eSwatini National Arrested for August 2024 Revenge Murders in uMlazi

• A 28-year-old eSwatini national has been arrested for the murders of six men in uMlazi.
• The mass shooting occurred during a gathering on August 17, 2024, leading to fatalities.
• The suspect, Melusi Dlamini, faces multiple charges, including murder and firearm possession.
• Investigations suggest the incident was motivated by prior revenge-related conflicts.
• Police continue to search for a second suspect connected to the case.

Investigation Concludes With Arrest of Swati National

Investigation Into uMlazi Murders Yields Arrest of Suspect Following a prolonged and thorough investigation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has apprehended a 28-year-old man from eSwatini in connection with the tragic murders of six men in uMlazi. The arrest took place in Krugersdorp, Gauteng, on July 4, 2025. According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal, the meticulous efforts of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit finally paid dividends after a year-long search for this individual linked to the mass shooting that occurred in August 2024.

Mass Shooting in August Linked to Revenge Motive

Details Surrounding the Mass Shooting Incident On the night of August 17, 2024, a gathering turned deadly when two men approached a group of six male patrons and three women. Initially, they inquired about buying cigarettes, but soon after being told there were none available, they returned with lethal intent. Eyewitness accounts suggest that they ordered the women to lie down before unleashing a hail of gunfire, resulting in the deaths of six men who were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities later determined that the incident stemmed from a revenge motive, intertwined with previous conflicts between Swati nationals and the deceased, who were all Xhosa-speaking men.

Court Appearance and Ongoing Investigation

Charged and Awaiting Further Legal Action Following his arrest, Melusi Dlamini has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including six counts of murder, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He made a brief court appearance at the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court on July 7, 2025, where he decided to abandon his bail application. The court has set a date for the next hearing on August 14, 2025. Furthermore, police officials revealed that they are still on the lookout for a second suspect who played a role in this heinous act. SAPS authorities have urged the public to assist with any information that may help in apprehending the remaining suspect.

In sum, the arrest of Melusi Dlamini marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the uMlazi mass shooting that claimed the lives of six men in August 2024. While the motive appears to be rooted in a prior altercation linked to revenge, law enforcement officials remain vigilant in their search for an additional suspect involved in this tragic event. The SAPS continues to appeal to the community for any relevant information that might lead to further developments in this case.