Community rejoices after alleged Inanda gang leader is shot dead

The alleged leader of the criminal gang in Inanda, Sinakhokonke Cele, 22, who went by the moniker Putin was killed and hacked with a machete and urinated on after months of terrorising the north Durban township residents. He was buried on Saturday following a funeral service in KwaMashu's F-section.

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Residents of Area 2 in Mzomusha, KwaBester, Inanda, reportedly celebrated with fireworks following the killing of an alleged West gang leader known as "Putin" real name, Snakhokonke Cele, on Sunday.

The 20-year-old, who residents claim was involved in a string of violent crimes in the area, was allegedly shot dead by members of the community who had grown frustrated with what they described as a prolonged reign of terror.

A community source, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said emotions ran high after the shooting, with some residents allegedly attacking the deceased's body.

"People were tired of being terrorised and assaulted. Many believed he was responsible for numerous violent crimes in the area," the source said.

The source described the deceased as a feared gunman who allegedly carried out armed robberies and shootings.

According to residents, videos of the alleged gangster circulated widely on social media following his death. Some footage, reportedly recorded while he was alive, showed him allegedly boasting about his reputation and displaying a firearm and ammunition. Other videos, recorded after his death, captured scenes of residents celebrating. Some of the footage also allegedly showed acts of desecration against the body.

Reports indicate that the deceased was confronted and fatally shot by three men who allegedly tracked him down in the area.

Community members have linked him to the West gang, which has been blamed for a series of violent crimes in parts of Inanda.

The killing comes just weeks after police shot and killed two alleged members of the same gang during an operation targeting suspects wanted for multiple murders and robberies. One of those killed was alleged gang leader Mnqobi "Number 5" Mhlongo.

A source claimed that the deceased had close ties to Mhlongo and was allegedly present during the events surrounding the murder of several learners whose bodies were discovered on the roadside earlier this year. However, these allegations have not been confirmed by police.

The murders of the learners are believed to have stemmed from internal divisions within the gang. It has been alleged that some of the victims were targeted after being accused of associating with a rival faction.

Among those killed was 14-year-old Anele Khwela, a Grade 8 pupil at Mariannridge Secondary School. Khwela had travelled to the area to attend her sister's funeral just days before her own death.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Ntuzuma police have opened a murder case following the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man.

"It is reported that on Sunday, the deceased was at Bester's when he was shot dead by unknown suspects," said Magwaza.

Police said the motive for the killing remains under investigation and no arrests have yet been made.

The deceased was laid to rest on Saturday following a funeral service at KwaMashu's F-Section.

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