11 killed, including a pregnant woman, in KwaMakhutha mass shooting

KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt after a shooting at a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, left 11 people dead, including a woman believed to be pregnant, and three others injured. The incident took place on the night of Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

What happened

KZN police say the victims were at a party when three men arrived and opened fire. According to the statement, 13 men and one woman who is believed to be pregnant were inside the house when the attackers struck.

Casualties and emergency response

Police reported that 10 people, including the woman believed to be pregnant, died at the scene. Four people were taken to hospital, where one later died from gunshot injuries, bringing the confirmed death toll to 11. Three other people sustained injuries.

Police reaction and investigation

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said authorities are pursuing suspects and investigating the killings. He described the available information as preliminary.

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

Netshiunda also said that preliminary investigations found some of the victims were on Crime Intelligence’s radar in connection with illegal activities, but police would not disclose details to protect ongoing investigations. He added that while a motive had not been confirmed, a feud between rival groupings could not be ruled out.

Next steps

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and said investigations are ongoing.