CRIME SCENE: KwaMakhutha, KwaZulu-Natal: Eleven people were killed and three wounded when gunmen burst into a house and opened fire on the group on Tuesday night, 22 September 2026.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) one of the victims was a pregnant woman.

“Information available at this stage suggests that 13 men and one woman, who is believed to be pregnant, were reportedly having a party inside a house when three men opened fire on them. 

“Ten victims died at the scene and four were taken to hospital where one of them succumbed to gunshot injuries.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that some of the victims were being investigated by Crime Intelligence in connection with illegal activities which police cannot divulge at the moment,” said SAPS.

The Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has directed the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner to immediately activate the 72-hour tracking operation to pursue and apprehend the suspects.

Lieutenant Dimpane has expressed her deep concern over the senseless loss of life and conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

Although the motive for the shooting cannot be confirmed yet, feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out, said SAPS.

SAPS is appealing to community members to provide investigators with reliable and credible information that can assist in identifying, tracing and apprehending the suspects. Information can be provided to the investigating team or anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS-App.