11 killed in mass shooting at South Africa residential property

At least 11 people have been killed in a mass shooting at a residential property in KwaMakhutha township near Durban, South Africa.

Police said gunmen stormed a house late Tuesday and opened fire on 14 people, killing 10 at the scene.

Four others were taken to hospital, where one later died from injuries sustained in the attack.

Police said the victims, comprising 13 men and a woman believed to be pregnant, were reportedly having a party when three armed men arrived and opened fire.

The woman was among those killed.

Police said some of the victims were known to be on their watch in connection with illegal activities, but declined to provide further details, saying this could compromise investigations.

The motive for the shooting has not been established, although police said they could not rule out a possible feud between rival groups.

An eNCA television reporter as reported by BBC at the scene said the attackers also set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims before fleeing.

Police said the suspects were armed with pistols and rifles and have launched a manhunt for them.

The attack has added to concerns over violent crime in South Africa, which has one of the world’s highest murder rates.

Police data shows that more than 60 people are killed each day in the country.

The latest incident comes amid heightened concern over organised crime and a series of violent attacks in recent weeks, including the discovery of at least nine murdered women, some of whose bodies were dumped by roadsides.

South Africa has experienced several mass shootings in recent years. Last year, nine people were killed in a shooting at a tavern in Johannesburg.

Criminal gang rivalries, drug trafficking and illegal mining have been linked to violence in some communities, while authorities have also faced calls to tackle the proliferation of illegal firearms.

In February, President Cyril Ramaphosa described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa’s democracy, society and economic development and announced the deployment of the army to support police operations.

The latest shooting is expected to renew debate over policing in high-crime areas, illegal firearms, organised crime networks and the pace of criminal justice.

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