KwaZulu-Natal police have found a link between a gang that has been terrorising communities in Pietermaritzburg and politicians in the province.

Last week, seven people, including two women, were killed during a shootout with police at a house in the suburb of Scottsville. It is believed that they were members of the notorious gang that had been terrorising residents in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas. Four suspects linked to the gang were arrested in the early hours of Sunday. A fifth suspect was arrested in Highflats on Monday at the funeral of one of the people who were killed during the shootout.

Police spokesperson Thembeka Mbhele says they believe the arrests will bring stability in Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas.

“There are some high profile people, politicians and business owners that are there in Pietermaritzburg surroundings and they are funding, according to the information that we received, they are funding these gangs in committing the crimes but we are still working on that.”

Seven suspects shot and killed in Scottsville:

Source: SABC