Lindokuhle Malinga was among the five football fans killed when armed men stormed a tavern in Mayville, Durban, on Sunday night, demanding cellphones and cash before opening fire. Malinga was one of 13 people shot while watching the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco's AS FAR, which Sundowns won.
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The people of Nsimbini in Mayville, Durban, are still struggling to come to terms with a mass shooting that left five people dead and seven others injured while they were watching a football match at a local tavern last Sunday night.
According to sources, three armed men entered the establishment and demanded money and cellphones from patrons before opening fire.
The tavern was reportedly packed with football supporters watching the CAF Champions League final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Morocco's AS FAR when the shooting unfolded.
A source familiar with the incident said the attackers appeared intent on terrorising patrons.
"If you did not immediately produce a cellphone, they would shoot you. If you did not have a cellphone with you, they would accuse you of playing games with them and still shoot," the source alleged.
People who had cellphones that didn't meet the gunmen's standards were also shot.
One witness described scenes of panic and chaos as gunfire erupted inside the crowded venue.
"The attack caught everyone by surprise. People were running in all directions trying to save their lives. It was terrifying," the witness said.
Scelo Cele, one of five football fans killed when gunmen stormed a Mayville tavern while they were watching a football match. Seven others were seriously injured in the robbery, where gunmen demanded cash and cellphones.
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The witness said many victims were shot multiple times.
"For now, we know those people who have died, but several others remain in hospital. This is a disaster. We do not understand what kind of cruelty would lead people to do this," he said.
Among those reported to have died are Scelo Cele, Lindokuhle Malinga and a man identified only as Thulani. The condition of another victim, Sisekelo Duba, was described as critical.
Duba's mother said her son had suffered severe injuries and was fighting for his life in hospital.
"I am devastated. He had done nothing wrong. We were told that the gunmen were looking for money and cellphones and then simply started shooting people," she said.
"The doctors say he was badly injured in the chest and kidneys. At this point, only a miracle can save him."
Community Policing Forum member Thando Ngcobo said residents were traumatised and frustrated by what they see as an escalating crime crisis.
"We have never experienced anything as painful as this. It is clear that people are no longer safe here," he said.
Ngcobo claimed that 21 people had been killed in shootings in the area during the past month alone.
Sisekelo Duba, a survivor of the Mayville tavern gun attack, remains in critical condition in the hospital. His mother shared that "only God's miracle" will help him pull through the severe injuries he suffered.
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"That tells you how serious the crime problem is. We have reached a point where the community feels helpless," he said.
He said residents planned to escalate their concerns to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
"He is our only hope now. We have tried everything to fight crime, but the situation keeps getting worse."
Ward 29 councillor Bhekisisa Mngadi described the shooting as devastating and said the community was living in fear.
"This incident has shocked all of us. We know who some of these criminals are, but they continue to operate with impunity," he said.
Mngadi alleged that one of the suspected perpetrators later died after being apprehended and assaulted by community members.
"We are facing a terrible situation. People feel abandoned. The police have failed to bring crime under control and residents are losing hope," he said.
"It is becoming difficult to live in this area under these conditions."
Police investigations into the mass shooting are continuing.
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