South Africa Shooting: 11 Dead in Durban Township Manhunt

Eleven people were killed and three wounded in a South Africa shooting in a Durban township late on 22 September 2026, prompting a large-scale police manhunt for at least three armed suspects. The attack, one of the deadliest mass shootings in KwaZulu-Natal in recent months, occurred in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, when gunmen stormed a house where a party was under way and opened fire just before 23:00 local time.

What happened in the Durban township shooting?

According to KwaZulu-Natal police, the 14 victims — 13 men and one woman — were gathered inside a house in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha when at least three unknown gunmen burst in and opened fire. Ten people died at the scene and an eleventh victim later died in hospital. Police confirmed that the woman killed was pregnant.

• Location: Ziko area, KwaMakhutha township, south of Durban
• Time: shortly before 23:00 on 22 September 2026
• Attackers: at least three armed men
• Casualties: 11 dead, 3 wounded
• One victim: a pregnant woman

The attackers also set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims before fleeing. A neighbour who spoke to local broadcaster eNCA said he knew the dead and was in shock. 'It is shocking and sad. These are boys I grew up with. I can't believe it. It's like a movie,' he said, adding that the victims were all roughly in their mid-30s. 'I have lived here my whole life and have never experienced anything like this. The neighbourhood has always been safe.'

Police launch manhunt and probe possible gang feud

The KwaZulu-Natal police manhunt was under way by Wednesday morning, with officers from the eThekwini District Tracing Team and provincial units combing the area. In a statement on X, police said some of the victims were already on their radar for 'suspected illegal activities', though they declined to give details.

'Although the motive for the shooting has not yet been established, a feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out,' police said. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli was expected to visit the scene as public anger grew over the failure to prevent yet another mass shooting.

Why does township violence remain a challenge in South Africa?

KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa's second-most populous province and Durban its largest city. Mass shootings in townships are often linked to organised crime and illegal firearms, drug markets and factional conflicts. The province has seen repeated outbreaks of violence in recent years, putting pressure on police and local government.

Community members in KwaMakhutha described the area as previously safe, making the attack especially traumatic. Experts note that the combination of high unemployment, easy access to illegal guns and strained policing can turn local disputes into mass-casualty events.

Impact and implications

The massacre has reignited debate about South African policing failures and gun control. Residents took to social media to demand justice and faster arrests, while opposition parties criticised the government's crime strategy. The police response, including the rapid deployment of tracing teams, will be closely watched as investigators try to identify the suspects.

If confirmed as a gang-related feud, the shooting would highlight the growing reach of armed groups beyond major urban centres and into smaller townships such as KwaMakhutha.

FAQ

What happened in the Durban township shooting?

At least three gunmen stormed a house in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, on 22 September 2026, killing 11 people and wounding three others.

How many people were killed and wounded?

Eleven people died and three were injured. Ten died at the scene and one later in hospital; the dead included a pregnant woman.

Who are the suspects?

Police have not named suspects but are searching for at least three armed men. No arrests had been confirmed by Wednesday.

What is the possible motive?

The motive is unknown, but police say a feud between rival groups cannot be ruled out. Some victims were known to police for suspected illegal activities.

Where is KwaMakhutha?

KwaMakhutha is a township south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.