KwaZulu-Natal shootings leave 14 dead and six wounded - IOL

Concerned community members gather outside a house where eleven people were shot dead in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban on Tuesday. In total fourteen people died, and six people were wounded in three separate shooting incidents in KwaZulu-Natal.

Fourteen people died and six were wounded in three separate shooting incidents in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

According to police reports, eleven people died in KwaMakhutha, two in Ntuzuma, and one in Newlands East. Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police have launched a manhunt for the men who shot and killed eleven people and injured three in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, on Tuesday night. Police forensic teams were still on the scene gathering evidence on Wednesday.

Netshiunda said information available at this stage suggests that thirteen men and one woman, who is believed to have been pregnant, were reportedly having a party at a house when three men arrived and shot at them.

“Ten victims, including the woman, died at the scene, and four were taken to hospital, where one of them succumbed to gunshot injuries,” Netshiunda said.

He said some of the dead victims were on the radar of the SAPS Crime Intelligence for illegal activities, but did not provide further details. Although the motive of the shooting cannot be confirmed yet, a feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out, Netshiunda said.

In Newlands East, Durban, a 45-year-old Congolese man was shot dead on Tuesday. According to a source, the man was a full-time bodyguard and also recruited others for bodyguard services. The source said the man and a colleague had received a call about a possible business opportunity, and was given a Google Map pin location to meet the client.

It is alleged that when he arrived at a parking lot in Garrick Crescent, the man did not see any vehicle in the vicinity. The man then heard someone call his name and saw two men standing nearby. When he stepped out of the vehicle to speak to the men, he was shot.

Police believe more than ten shots were fired. Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said the gunmen then fled the scene in the victim's vehicle.

“Reports indicate the victim was with a friend at the time of the incident, who narrowly escaped injury during the shooting. The motive for the incident is unknown at this stage. No arrests have been made yet,” Ndlovu said.

Newlands East Police are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder and carjacking.

Police at the scene where a Congolese national was shot and killed in Newlands East, Durban.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Magwaza said Ntuzuma SAPS are investigating two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder following an incident which took place at Bester. 

“It is reported that a group of approximately five boys and girls aged between 16 and 18 years old were inside a house, allegedly smoking, when a group of unknown suspects entered and shot them,” he said.

A 16-year-old boy died on the scene, and a 16-year-old girl died in hospital. Three more victims are still receiving medical attention in hospital. Magwaza said the motive for the attack is yet to be established. No arrests have been made.

eThekwini Neighbourhood Watch spokesperson Andile Jali alleged that several children had truanted from school and gone to the house where they socialised and used drugs.

“It is alleged that a man came to the door and asked for the homeowner. He was told that the owner was not there. Gunshots then rang out. The neighbourhood watch is urging parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts and ensure that they are in school. The area is rife with drug users,” he said.