Durban’s latest wave of drive-by shootings has sparked concerns of a growing trend in eliminating rivals quickly, with crime expert and forensic investigator Chad Thomas suggesting that these incidents are part of a larger pattern of murder-for-hire operations.
Murder-for-Hire on the Increase
According to Thomas, the strongest concern is that contract killings are no longer isolated incidents but part of a growing pattern, with reasons ranging from turf wars and silencing of witnesses to business disputes and eliminating political competition. Organized crime networks have long operated in Durban, and drive-by shootings are seen as an efficient way to send a message while reducing the risk of arrest.
Victims are often ambushed in traffic, outside homes or businesses, or while travelling familiar routes. The speed of the crime creates serious problems for investigators, as gunmen often use stolen vehicles, false number plates, and unlicensed firearms, while terrified bystanders are reluctant to speak.
Investigation Challenges
Thomas explained that drive-by shootings allow for much quicker getaways and fewer witnesses, making it difficult for investigators to gather evidence. However, he added that advances in policing tools mean such cases are not impossible to solve, with improvements in technology, proper crime scene management, effective ballistic testing, and solid detective work to identify motive and suspects.
Some of the key challenges in investigating these cases include:
- Lack of intelligence capacity
- Ineffective detective work
- Limited investigation powers of metro police departments
Thomas suggested that the powers of metro police departments should be expanded so they can play a stronger investigative role alongside the South African Police Service.
