Civic groups to march to Durban City Hall for justice in Phoenix massacre

A coalition of civic groups is expected to march to Durban City Hall in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday. The #JusticeForPhoenixMassacreVictims group is calling for arrests in the deaths of more than 20 people in Phoenix, north of Durban.

Some bodies are yet to be identified at a Phoenix mortuary.

Over 120 people were killed in KwaZulu-Natal during the violence and looting that took place two weeks ago.

Convener of the coalition Jackie Shandu says there is a need for reparations to be paid to families that lost their loved ones in Phoenix.

“We were at the Phoenix mortuary yesterday morning and they confirmed that 74 people have died from this senseless slaughter of innocent unarmed non-violent victims. 43 bodies are yet to be claimed by their families including foreign nationals,” says Shandu.

Unpacking the Phoenix massacre during the recent unrest

On Monday, the Verulam Magistrates’ Court in Durban granted the prosecution’s application that seven people appear behind closed doors on charges linked to what some describe as racially motivated attacks and deaths in Phoenix during the unrest that gripped parts of the country two weeks ago.

Media houses had applied to follow the proceedings.

The National Prosecuting Authority said the accused would still have to undergo an identity parade.

Phoenix Murders I Ten accused to apply for bail on Friday