KZN Premier Thami Ntuli Visits Scene of Horrific KwaMakhutha Mass Shooting as Police Launch Manhunt
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli visited the eZiko area in KwaMakhutha in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Wednesday morning following a horrific mass shooting that claimed 11 lives and left three others wounded.
The tragedy occurred late on Tuesday night when a group of 14 people gathered for a house party.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, three armed men entered the property and opened fire on the attendees, who included 13 men and a pregnant woman.
Ten victims died instantly on the scene, while an eleventh person succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
During his visit to the crime scene, Ntuli expressed deep grief and extended his condolences to the affected families, noting the profound shock the incident has brought to the community.
He engaged with local law enforcement officials, victims’ relatives, and community representatives to assess the situation.
Residents voiced severe concerns regarding an influx of drugs and illegal firearms fueling violence in the neighborhood.
Preliminary police reports suggest that a few of the victims were already on Crime Intelligence’s radar for alleged illicit operations, indicating a possible feud between rival criminal networks.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has mobilized maximum resources and launched an intense manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has activated a 72-hour tracking operation, promising that law enforcement will act decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice.
