A mass shooting in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, has left 12 people dead and two injured, prompting KwaZulu-Natal police to launch a large-scale manhunt for those responsible.
The deadly attack took place in the Ziko area on Tuesday night and has sent shockwaves through the local community. Investigators are now working to establish the motive behind one of the province’s deadliest recent shootings.
Twelve Killed in KwaMakhutha Attack
According to police, thirteen men and one woman, believed to have been pregnant, gathered at a house when three armed men arrived shortly before 11pm and opened fire.
Ten victims died at the scene, Emergency responders rushed four other victims to hospital for treatment.
Two of the injured victims later succumbed to their gunshot wounds, bringing the death toll to 12. Two people remain injured.
The attackers also set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims before fleeing the scene.
Police Investigating Possible Criminal Links
KwaZulu-Natal police said preliminary investigations revealed that some of the victims had been on Crime Intelligence’s radar in connection with alleged illegal activities.
However, authorities have declined to provide further details as investigations continue.
In a statement, police said they could not disclose information that may compromise ongoing investigations.
At this stage, police have not confirmed a motive for the mass shooting.
Manhunt Underway for Gunmen
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that law enforcement officers have launched a manhunt to locate those responsible for the killings.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the victims died at the scene, while paramedics rushed four others to hospital.
“The victims, including the woman, died at the scene and the four were taken to hospital where one of them succumbed to gunshot injuries.”
He added that investigators were continuing to gather evidence while pursuing leads that could identify the perpetrators.
The KwaMakhutha SAPS and the eThekwini District Tracing Team are leading the investigation.
Gang-Related Motive Not Ruled Out
Police have not ruled out the possibility that the killings may be linked to gang-related violence.
Investigators are examining whether the attack was connected to an ongoing criminal feud or disputes involving organised crime groups operating in the area.
Although authorities have yet to confirm a motive, the scale of the violence has raised concerns about criminal networks and illegal firearms in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The incident highlights the dangers posed by organised crime, where disputes can escalate into deadly attacks with devastating consequences for communities.
Community Left Reeling
The mass shooting has left residents of KwaMakhutha and surrounding communities in mourning.
Families are searching for answers while community leaders have called for justice and greater efforts to combat violent crime.
The attack has also renewed concerns about safety in the eThekwini region, where incidents of violent crime continue to place pressure on law enforcement agencies.
Residents hope the perpetrators will be brought to justice swiftly to prevent further violence.
Premier Expected to Visit Scene
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is expected to visit the area to meet with law enforcement officials, community representatives and families affected by the tragedy.
The visit comes as authorities intensify investigations and seek information that could assist in tracking down the gunmen.
Investigation Continues
As police pursue suspects and gather evidence, many questions remain unanswered.
Investigators are working to determine who carried out the attack, what motivated it and whether organised criminal groups were involved.
For the families who lost loved ones, the search for answers continues.
For the wider KwaMakhutha community, the tragedy serves as another stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and organised crime.