Gunmen kill 11 in KwaMakhutha home attack near Durban

September 23, 2026 at 05:32 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

At least 11 people were killed when three armed men opened fire in a home in KwaMakhutha, near Durban, South Africa, late Tuesday. Three others were hospitalized, one of whom later died. Police have not established a motive and are searching for the attackers.

Key Facts

Three armed men stormed a home in KwaMakhutha, near Durban, where 14 people were present, and opened fire late Tuesday.
Ten people died at the scene, and four were taken to hospital; one of the injured later died, bringing the toll to 11.
Among the dead is a woman police believe was pregnant; the other victims were men.
Police have not established a motive and are investigating a possible conflict between criminal groups.
After the attack, the assailants set fire to a victim's car and fled, according to local broadcaster eNCA.

The Attack

Late Tuesday evening, three armed men forced their way into a residential building in KwaMakhutha, a settlement near Durban, South Africa, where 14 people were inside. The gunmen opened fire, killing ten people at the scene and wounding four others, who were transported to hospital. One of the wounded later died in hospital, raising the death toll to 11. Police said the dead included a woman they believe was pregnant, while the remaining victims were men.

Investigation and Aftermath

Police have not yet determined a motive for the attack and are considering a possible conflict between criminal groups. Investigators said some of the deceased may have been involved in illegal activity, but details are being withheld. According to local broadcaster eNCA, the attackers set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims before fleeing the scene. Police have launched a search for the suspects.

Crime Context

South Africa records more than 60 murders per day, according to police data. Authorities link much of the violence to criminal gangs, territorial disputes, and drug trafficking.