In brief
Gunmen stormed a home in the KwaMakhutha township near Durban, opening fire on 14 people and killing 11. Police say the victims were involved in illicit activity, and the attack may have stemmed from a gang feud. While the motives remain unconfirmed, a manhunt for the attackers has begun. South Africa continues to struggle with violence, seeing more than 60 murders per day on average.
At least eleven people were killed when gunmen opened fire inside a house in the KwaMakhutha township, located just outside Durban. Police say the male gunmen stormed the residence late on Tuesday and shot at 14 individuals, with ten dying on the scene and four later succumbing to injuries. One of the victims was a pregnant woman.
The police have identified the attackers as potentially linked to illegal activities or rival criminal gangs, though details remain confidential to protect ongoing investigations. A local news clip shows a vehicle belonging to one of the victims set ablaze before the attackers fled.
South Africa continues to face a high murder rate, averaging more than 60 homicides per day, and has seen recent waves of violent crime, including murders of women in public spaces. The government has deployed the armed forces to support police efforts to curb organised crime, which President Cyril Ramaphosa has referred to as the most immediate threat to the nation’s democracy and economy.
The police now have launched a concerted manhunt for the suspects. Authorities urge the public to cooperate with any information that could help solve the case.
Date: 23 September 2026; By: Basillioh Rukanga
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