A man was killed outside a shop after an altercation over a packet of maize meal Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/African News Agency(ANA) A man was killed outside a shop after an altercation over a packet of maize meal Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/African News Agency(ANA)
Durban - A 41-year-old man was shot dead during an argument over a maggot in a packet of maize meal that he had purchased from a shop in Msahayazafe in Inanda on Tuesday. In a scuffle that ensured later between residents and police, a young boy died after being shot in the head.
It is believed that Thobani Zuma had gone back to the shop around 5:30pm after he found a maggot in his maize meal just a day after purchasing it from the local shop.
Witnesses said when Zuma went back to the shop, he and the shop owner got into an altercation and he was shot.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said police responded to the scene and a case of murder was opened.
Gwala said after Zuma was shot and news filtered through the community, a mob gathered outside and threatened to attack the shop owner.
"The local police, Metro Police as well as Public Order Police responded to the scene and they were also attacked by community members. During the scuffle between community and the police a shot went off and struck an seven-year-old boy on the forehead. He was taken to a local clinic where he died on arrival," she said.
Gwala said an Inquest docket was opened at Inanda SAPS.
She said a total of four suspects, who are aged between 25 and 34 were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition and murder.
"A 9mm pistol was recovered with 14 ammunition," Gwala said.