In brief
Ten people died dead on the scene of a house shooting in the KwaMakhutha township near Durban, while another succumbed to injuries after being hospitalized. Police suggest the attack may stem from a feud between rival groups, with survivors hiding a party attended by thirteen men and a pregnant woman. Gunfire and a vehicle set on fire added to the chaos while authorities launch a manhunt for the suspects. In a country plagued by a daily murder rate of more than 60, this incident underscores a rising tide of violence linked to gangs, drug trafficking and illegal mining.
At least eleven people have been killed in a mass shooting in a residential building near Durban, South Africa.
Gunmen stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township late on Tuesday and opened fire on fourteen people. Ten were killed at the scene and four were taken to hospital, where one later died of injuries.
Police say some of the victims were on a watch list for illegal activities, a detail they could not divulge at present to protect investigations.
While the motive has not been confirmed, officers could not rule out a feud between rival groupings. Police suggested the house had hosted a gathering of thirteen men and a pregnant woman, who was among those who died.
A local TV reporter from the eNCA channel filmed gunmen setting fire to a vehicle belonging to one victim before fleeing, with footage showing the burnt‑out car.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects.
South Africa reports one of the world®®®® highest murder rates, with police data showing over sixty deaths per day.
In recent weeks, the gruesome discovery of at least nine murdered women, often dumped along roadsides, has heightened public fear. Last year, nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg.
Gang rivalry over turf, drug trafficking and illegal mining often fuels violence within communities, the problem was highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in February when he said organized crime was "the most immediate threat to our democracy, society and economic development", announcing deployment of the army to support police efforts.
