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Man killed while on visit to kin

Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

A 35-year-old man from Olumbi near Melmoth in northern KwaZulu-Natal was shot dead yesterday morning while sleeping at a relative's home.

Bheki Mcineka was visiting a relative at Candlo Reserve when he was killed by unknown attackers.

Candlo Reserve was recently the scene of bloody faction fighting sparked by a love affair, during which six people, including a 70-year-old pensioner, were killed.

But police say there is no information linking the man's death to the recent feud.

Mcineka's distraught relatives said he had arrived the previous day and was offered a rondavel in the homestead to sleep in.

They said they were woken up by the sound of gunshots and, on investigating, discovered Mcineka lying in a pool of blood. He had several gunshot wounds and was already dead.

Eight spent AK-47 cartridges were found on the scene.

Police spokesman Jabulani Mdletshe said the deceased was originally from a neighbouring conflict-ridden area of Olumbi.

"According to information received by the police, Mcineka was recently released from prison and this was his first visit to his relatives in the area since his release," said Mdletshe.

"We don't want to speculate on a motive for the murder.

"We request members of the community who may have any information that may assist detectives in their investigation to contact the head of detectives at SAPS Melmoth."

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