A KwaZulu-Natal mass shooting has left 11 people dead, including a woman believed to have been pregnant, after three gunmen opened fire on a group gathered inside a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban.
The attack happened shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Police said 14 people were inside the house when the gunmen entered and opened fire. Ten victims died at the scene, while four were taken to hospital. One of those later died from their injuries, bringing the confirmed death toll to 11. Three people survived with injuries.
Police Launch 72-Hour Manhunt
The scale of the attack has triggered an immediate response from South African authorities. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Puleng Dimpane has ordered a 72-hour tracking operation involving KwaZulu-Natal police to pursue the three suspected attackers. Police say investigators are following a promising lead that could help identify and arrest those responsible.
The investigation is still at an early stage, and no suspects had been publicly identified or arrested when the latest police statements were issued.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is also expected to visit the community and meet with law enforcement officials, families and local representatives following the killings.
Police Investigate Possible Gang Feud
The biggest unanswered question is why the house was targeted. Police said preliminary investigations showed that some of the victims were already on the Crime Intelligence radar in connection with alleged illegal activities. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of those investigations because doing so could affect the case.
A possible feud between rival groups is being investigated, but police have stressed that the motive has not been confirmed. That distinction is important because investigators are still working to establish whether the victims were specifically targeted or whether other circumstances led to the attack.
Another Mass Shooting Raises Wider Security Questions
The KwaMakhutha shooting adds to South Africa’s continuing struggle with violent crime and the availability of illegal firearms.
The latest attack is particularly significant because it occurred inside a private home, showing how difficult it can be for communities to protect themselves when armed groups decide to target people gathered in one place.
South African authorities have previously described violent crime as a major national security concern, with soldiers also deployed alongside police in some crime hotspots.
For KwaMakhutha residents, however, the immediate concern is finding the attackers and understanding why the house was targeted.
The next 72 hours could therefore be important for the investigation. A successful arrest could give authorities answers about the suspected groups involved, the source of the firearms and the motive behind one of the deadliest shootings reported in KwaZulu-Natal this year.
