Key facts
- At least 11 people were killed in a mass shooting at a house party in South Africa.
- Three assailants opened fire on a group in KwaMakhutha township, near Durban, on Tuesday night.
- Three other people were wounded in the attack.
- One of the victims was a woman believed to be pregnant.
- Police are searching for the suspects and have not made arrests.
- The motive for the shooting is unknown, but feuds between rival groups are being considered.
At least 11 people were killed and three wounded in a mass shooting that occurred late Tuesday night at a house party in the KwaMakhutha township, approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Durban, South Africa. Three assailants entered the residence and opened fire on a group of 14 people who had gathered for a party. Police confirmed that one of the deceased was a woman who was believed to be pregnant. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, but authorities are investigating potential feuds between rival groups and links to criminal activity, as some of the victims were known to police in connection with ongoing investigations. A vehicle belonging to one of the victims was reportedly set on fire by the gunmen before they fled the scene. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and no arrests have been made.
South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates. This incident follows a pattern of mass shootings in the country, including one in June where 12 people were killed in Johannesburg. Rivalry among criminal gangs, drug trafficking, and illegal mining are often cited as drivers of violence in the region. In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged organized crime as a significant threat and announced the deployment of the army to support police efforts.