By Akani Nkuna
A pregnant woman was among 11 people killed when three gunmen opened fire on a group gathered inside a house in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, on Tuesday night, KwaZulu-Natal police said.
Three other people were wounded in the shooting in the Ziko area, which police said happened while 13 men and one woman, believed to be pregnant, were having a party inside the house.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said three men arrived at the house and opened fire on the group.
Ten people, including the woman, died at the scene. Four others were taken to hospital, where one later died from gunshot wounds.
A manhunt has been launched for the gunmen.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that some of the victims were on Crime Intelligence’ radar in connection with illegal activities – [the specifics of] which police cannot divulge at the moment to protect investigations which have been launched,” Netshiunda said.
He said the motive had not yet been established, although a feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has ordered the KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner to activate a 72-hour tracking operation to find and arrest 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. We are confident that investigators are following a promising lead which could assist in securing a breakthrough in this case,” Dimpane said.
She conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Police appealed to members of the public with information that could help identify or trace the suspects to contact investigators, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip-off through the MySAPS app.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli was expected to visit the area on Wednesday to meet law enforcement officials, community leaders and relatives of the victims.
