Eleven people were killed in a mass shooting at a house in the KwaMakhutha township, just outside Durban, South Africa. Police confirmed the tragedy on Tuesday night after gunmen stormed the home and opened fire on a party gathering of fourteen people.
At the scene ten people died while four others were taken to hospital; one of the wounded later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the identity of every victim but indicated some were linked to illegal activities, a detail kept confidential to preserve ongoing investigations. The motive remains unclear, though police have highlighted a possible feud between rival groupings.
The shooting occurred during a party reportedly involving thirteen men and one woman, who was believed to be pregnant. A local eNCA reporter captured footage of gunmen setting fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims before fleeing the scene. A manhunt is underway as police chase the suspects.
South Africa has the world’s highest murder rate, with public data indicating over sixty deaths per day. The recent discovery of nine murdered women, some hidden by roadside, has heightened community fears. Last year, a mass shooting at a Johannesburg tavern claimed nine lives, an event underscored by the country’s turf wars involving drug trafficking, illegal mining and gang rivalries.
In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned that organised crime poses the greatest threat to democracy and economic development, announcing the deployment of the army to support police efforts.
