Eleven people were killed and three injured in a shooting at a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, on the night of Tuesday, 22 September 2026. Police say three armed men entered the house where 14 people were gathered and opened fire. Ten victims, including a pregnant woman, died at the scene, while one additional victim died later in hospital from gunshot wounds.
The motive for the attack remains unknown, though police have not ruled out a feud between rival groups. The South African Police Service (SAPS) launched a manhunt immediately following the incident and activated a 72-hour tracking operation, directed by Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, to pursue those responsible.
“There is no place in our communities for the senseless taking of human lives. Police must act decisively, mobilise all available resources and pursue those responsible until they are brought before the courts,” Lieutenant General Dimpane said during a briefing in KwaZulu-Natal.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said he planned to visit the scene on Wednesday morning, meeting police officers, community representatives, and relatives of the victims to address concerns and offer condolences. SABC News reported Premier Ntuli’s engagement with the affected families and local leaders as part of efforts to provide support.
SAPS urged community members to provide credible information anonymously through Crime Stop or the MySAPS app to assist ongoing investigations. Police emphasised that the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
The KwaMakhutha shooting marks another tragic episode of gun violence in the region, which has seen similar incidents in recent years linked to various conflicts. Local residents remain shaken, calling for urgent action to curb violence and improve safety.
As of now, no suspects have been confirmed arrested, and police investigations continue. CapeFlats.co.za will monitor the situation for updates, including the outcomes from Premier Ntuli’s meeting and any further law enforcement developments.