A group of heavily armed policemen and women manned an impromptu roadblock at the east entrance of Durban’s notorious Glebelands Hostel last Wednesday, searching people and vehicles entering the sprawling hostel. Dozens of police vehicles including Nyalas, vans and sedans were parked outside and officers in bulletproof vests patrolled the grounds. A satellite police station has been established at the hostel so residents can report not only the murders but other crimes taking place there. This frontline-type security presence has not eased the fears of hostel residents, as wanton killings continue. At about 9pm on Tuesday — just hours before the roadblock — Ngobe Mbatha, a 38-year-old resident and member of the local peace committee, was shot and killed in his room at the hostel. His death brought to 93 the number of victims killed in hostel-related violence since 2014. Most of the killings are believed to be the work of hitmen who live in the hostel. Residents and activists say the...
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