72-hour manhunt launched after 11 killed in KwaMakhutha shooting

Police have launched a 72-hour tracking operation after three men opened fire at a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, killing 11 people and injuring three others, according to IOL.

What happened

According to IOL, the shooting occurred on Tuesday night when three men arrived at a gathering and opened fire on a group of people. Preliminary information indicated that 13 men and one woman, who was believed to be pregnant, were attending a party at the house.

IOL reports that ten victims, including the woman believed to be pregnant, died at the scene. Four people were taken to hospital and one of those later died, bringing the death toll to 11. Three others were injured.

Police response

Acting national police commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane directed KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to activate the 72-hour tracking operation to find the three suspects, IOL said.

Dimpane was quoted by IOL expressing concern and offering condolences to the families of the victims. She also called for decisive police action, saying:

“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.”

IOL reports that police said investigators were following a promising lead that could assist in securing a breakthrough in the case.

Investigation and possible motive

According to IOL, preliminary investigations showed some of the victims were on the Crime Intelligence radar in connection with illegal activities. Police said they could not disclose further details at this stage to avoid compromising ongoing investigations.

IOL also reports that the motive for the shooting had not been established, but police said a feud between rival groupings could not be ruled out.

Appeal for information

IOL says police have appealed to residents to provide reliable information that could help identify, trace and apprehend the gunmen. Tips can be given directly to the investigating team or anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app, IOL reports.

As IOL puts it, “SAPS will not relent in its efforts to ensure that those responsible for this attack are brought to justice.”

Source

According to IOL, the account above is based on police statements and preliminary investigations reported by the news outlet.