A significant police presence was seen in Inanda, Durban, on Saturday, February 8, during the funeral of notorious gang leader Mnqobi Nzimande. Nzimande, 24, led the infamous Inanda West Gang and was killed in a shootout with police in Verulam on January 30. He was linked to 20 cases, including over 10 murders, and was a source of fear in the community.
Before his funeral, rumors spread that other gang members would cause chaos in retaliation for the loss of their leader. This threat sparked fear among residents, who pleaded with law enforcement to increase their presence over the weekend. In response, a large contingent of police officers conducted stop-and-search operations, providing some relief to the concerned community.
One resident described the terror the gang had instilled in the area, mentioning how the gang, under Nzimande’s leadership, had terrorized locals with crimes such as robbery, assault, and murder. The visible police presence was welcomed by many, as it marked a much-needed shift in the safety of the neighborhood.
While many residents expressed relief at Nzimande’s death, others emphasized the need for a long-term solution to the Inanda West Gang’s ongoing influence. The gang’s recruitment of young boys, some as young as nine, has led to concerns about the future of the community. Local residents are hopeful that continued police action will ultimately put an end to the gang’s reign of terror.
