South Africa: 11 killed, 3 wounded after gunmen storm house party near Durban

At least 11 people have been killed and three others wounded after three armed men opened fire on a group gathered at a house in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, South Africa, police said.

The attack happened late Tuesday, September 22, in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, a township about 30 kilometres south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal province. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 14 people; 13 men and a woman believed to be pregnant, were inside the house when the attackers arrived and opened fire.

Ten of the victims died at the scene, while four others were taken to hospital. One of those receiving treatment later died from gunshot injuries, bringing the death toll to 11. Three other victims survived with injuries.

Police said the suspects fled after the attack and a manhunt has been launched. Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane directed authorities in KwaZulu-Natal to activate a 72-hour tracking operation to locate and arrest those responsible.

The motive remains under investigation. Police said preliminary inquiries indicated that some of the victims had previously come to the attention of crime intelligence in connection with alleged illegal activities, although authorities have not disclosed details because investigations are ongoing. Police also said a feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.

Local reports said the attackers also set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Police and investigators continued examining the scene as authorities worked to establish what led to the shooting.

The KwaZulu-Natal government has expressed concern over the killings, while families and members of the KwaMakhutha community have begun dealing with the aftermath of the attack.

The shooting adds to a series of mass-casualty gun attacks that have drawn attention to violent crime in South Africa. However, authorities have not yet established that the KwaMakhutha incident was definitively linked to gang activity.

South African police are appealing for information that could help identify and locate the attackers.