Durban township massacre: 11 killed in house shooting

At least 11 people died when gunmen stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township near Durban on Tuesday night. The attack, which left 14 people wounded, was carried out by armed men who fired pistols and rifles.

Police said the victims were allegedly carrying out illegal activities, but details were withheld to protect ongoing investigations. They also could not rule out a feud between rival groups as the motive.

The scene reportedly involved 13 men and one woman, who was pregnant. A local TV reporter captured footage showing a vehicle belonging to one victim set ablaze before the gunmen fled.

South Africa’s murder rate remains among the world’s highest, averaging more than 60 deaths a day. The country has also seen a series of brutal killings in recent weeks, including the loss of nine women whose bodies were left on roadsides.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted organised crime as a direct threat to democracy and the economy, announcing the deployment of the army to support police efforts. In response to the Durban tragedy, officials have launched a manhunt against the suspects and pledged to investigate the incident thoroughly.

While mass shootings remain a new phenomenon in South Africa, they amplify feelings of fear and disbelief among communities. Calls grow louder for stronger measures to dismantle criminal syndicates and curb the proliferation of illegal firearms.