By Celani Sikhakhane
The community of Ezinqoleni in Harding on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is living in fear after three members of the family of an ANC councillor were burned to death on Sunday night.
Unknown attackers locked the family of councillor Max Nzama in the house and set it alight.
Sources in Ezinqoleni said the attack might be linked to revenge against the councillor but would not provide details.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said: “Ezinqoleni police have opened cases of murder and arson following an incident in which a house was allegedly set alight by unknown people on 14 October 2024 in KwaNyuswa location. Three family members aged six, 30, and 39 died in the fire while the other three managed to escape with injuries.”
A neighbour, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says they are living in fear following the attack.
“We really don’t know why the family keeps on being brutally attacked. Last month their father was attacked in broad daylight by unknown people. He was shot 52 times. This time they came to wipe out the whole family.
“They clearly planned this attack because they made sure that they blocked the doors of the house,” the neighbour said. “They wanted to make sure that no one would escape the fire.
“We were able to help young kids to escape, but they were badly burned
Councillor Nzama was not at home when the attack took place.
Scrolla.Africa has learned that the area has been troubled by serious disputes, but why the family was targeted is unclear.
Attempts to reach Nzama were unsuccessful.
ANC leaders and government officials visited the survivors to offer their condolences.
KZN has experienced several other family massacres this year, including the murder of six members of the Buthelezi family in Nquthu in April and the murder of seven family members in Highflats in September.
On Sunday, five people, including two girls aged two and six, were killed by a knifeman in the Bethany area of Bergville.
Pictured above: Three members of an ANC councillor’s family died after their home was set alight in an alleged act of revenge.
Source: X
