[LISTEN] More harrowing details emerge of ‘Phoenix massacre’ deaths
The death toll during the unrest in Phoenix, north of Durban has risen to 36.
Police investigations have shown that 30 people who died in the area during the violent protests two weeks ago were shot, two were burned to death and one was stabbed.
The rest died from injuries after being assaulted.
Police Minister Bheki Cele and KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala briefed the media on Tuesday morning on the situation in the area.
“The events in Phoenix have claimed the lives of 36 people. Our investigation shows that 30 of those who were killed were shot, two were burned to death, one was stabbed and another was run over by a motor vehicle. Two others died from the brutal injuries they sustained after being assaulted,” said Cele.
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Police are investigating 52 cases of attempted murder, nine cases of common assault and 16 cases of grievous bodily harm.
“Police investigations continue and these figures will be updated. We need to be clear about this, what happened in Phoenix were criminal acts of the worst kind which took a racial turn,” added Cele.
A total of 22 people have been arrested in connection with the murders.
“Some of these suspects are allegedly connected to several murder cases while others have charges of attempted murder, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice,” said Cele.
