At least 11 people were killed when gunmen stormed a house in KwaMakhutha township near Durban, South Africa, and opened fire on a group gathered inside, police confirmed. The attack occurred late on Tuesday, September 22, and has intensified concerns over violent crime in the country.
Details of the Attack in KwaMakhutha
According to police, 10 victims died at the scene, while four others were rushed to hospital. One of the hospitalized victims later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 11, as reported by the BBC. Among those present were 13 men and one woman, who was believed to be pregnant. The woman was among those who died.
The group was reportedly holding a party inside the house when three armed men arrived and began shooting. Before fleeing the scene, the gunmen set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Footage from eNCA, a local television channel whose reporter was at the scene, showed the burnt-out car.
Motive Under Investigation
Investigators have not confirmed a motive, but police said a feud between rival groupings could not be ruled out. Police also noted that some of the victims had been on watch in connection with illegal activities, though they declined to provide further details to avoid compromising active investigations.
South Africa's Ongoing Violence Crisis
The attack comes amid persistent concerns over violent crime across South Africa. Police data shows the country records a murder rate equivalent to more than 60 deaths per day, placing it among the highest in the world. Recent weeks have also seen the discovery of at least nine women who were murdered, with some of their bodies found dumped by the roadside, deepening public anxiety about safety across the country.
The KwaMakhutha shooting draws comparisons to a similar incident last year, when nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg. Police continue to investigate the latest attack, with no arrests reported so far.
