Two friends dead, one injured in drive-by shooting in Verulam

Police are investigating a drive-by shooting that left two people dead and one injured in Amaotana, near Verulam. | Reaction Unit SA

Police are investigating a drive-by shooting that left two people dead and one injured in Amaotana, near Verulam. | Reaction Unit SA

Published 5h ago

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Durban — Verulam police are tracking down those involved in a drive-by shooting that left two people dead and one injured in the Amaotana area on Saturday.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the deceased were found metres apart with multiple gunshot wounds. Netshiunda said that according to reports, the victims were shot dead in a drive-by shooting involving a gold in colour Toyota Etios.

“The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and the suspects are yet to be arrested,” Netshiunda said.

Verulam police have opened two counts of murder for investigation

Private security company Reaction Unit SA (Rusa) spokesperson Prem Balram said five friends were walking on the main road between Trenance Park and Amaoti when the Etios, with an unknown registration, drove up to them. Balram said the vehicle’s occupants opened fire on the group.

Balram said a 23-year-old was shot approximately nine times and collapsed at the scene. The four others ran off but were pursued by two men, who got off the car, carrying guns. In the pursuit the men then shot a 22-year-old near his home. The third victim was shot once in his hand while the two other men escaped unharmed.

Elaborating on the incident, Balram said residents contacted Rusa at 5.43pm and reaction officers and paramedics were sent to the scene. Residents told Rusa that the body of a second victim was found in a yard approximately 100 metres away.

“First responders proceeded to his location and found that he had also been shot nine times,” Balram said.

“Both men were declared deceased by paramedics.”

Balram said the third victim was taken to a medical facility privately.

“Several spent 9mm (bullet) cartridges were recovered at both scenes,” Balram said.

He added that the surviving friends told reaction officers the suspects and motive for the attack were unknown to them.

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