15 men set alight in possible revenge attack – 8 pass away, 4 fighting for their lives

Fifteen men were stripped naked in South Africa and doused with petrol, and then cruelly set alight in a horror attack in which eight victims were burned to death alive on Sunday night.

Four survivors are fighting for their lives in hospital while three others were less seriously burned in what is believed to be a revenge attack between rival gangs.

The terrifying attack happened at a township just outside Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal only about 6km from another massacre last month.

In that merciless attack 10 members of the same family including a 13-year-old boy were shot dead in a hail of bullets and police say both attacks may be linked.

South African Police (SAPS) rushed to the latest attack on Sunday night in Mzunduzi and found a scene of horror inside and outside the home.

Local residents were gathered round the charred bodies of eight men and were trying to help the survivors who had suffered dreadful burns to their bodies.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshuinda said:

”We have launched a massive manhunt after eight people were burned to death inside a house.

“It happened in the Msunduzi location of Taylors Halt and it is said 15 men aged between 25 and 46 were in the house when some 7 gunmen broke in.

“They were armed with rifles and asked about the whereabouts of the owner of the house and after realising he was not there they told all the men to undress.

“Then they poured liquid substances on them and set them alight.

“Eight men reportedly died at the scene and four survived with severe burn wounds and were rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.

“The suspects are unknown at this stage and the motive for the killing is yet to be established although drug-related issues cannot be ruled out.”

A local resident, too scared to be named, told local media: “There was terrible, terrible screaming coming from the house and all these people were on fire.

“It was just horrible but there was nothing anyone could do but wait for the police and ambulances,” she said.

In the attack a month ago at Imbali, close by seven women and three men including a teenage boy were shot dead when armed gunmen burst into their home and opened fire.

Hours after the attack four men believed to be undergoing a “cleansing ceremony” by a witch doctor were confronted by police as the suspects for the massacre.

An ensuing shootout led to one gunman being shot dead with two more arrested and the fourth man on the run. Three firearms were recovered by police.

Witnesses or those with information are urged to contact Taylors Hall police.

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