One of three hospitalised victims dies as police pursue suspects behind deadly attack
25 September 2026 | 14:30
DURBAN — The death toll from the KwaMakhutha mass shooting has risen to 12 after one of the victims who had been hospitalised succumbed to their injuries.
The shooting happened late on Tuesday night in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha, south of Durban.
According to police reporting, armed attackers entered a home where a group of people had gathered and opened fire.
The death toll rises
The initial attack left 11 people dead and several others injured.
Three injured victims were taken to hospital.
One of those victims later died, bringing the confirmed death toll to 12.
The scale of the attack has shocked the community and prompted a major police response.
72-hour operation
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane ordered KwaZulu-Natal police to activate a 72-hour tracking operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Police have deployed available resources to pursue the suspects.
Dimpane said investigators were following a promising lead that could help the investigation make a breakthrough.
“Police must act decisively, mobilise all available resources and pursue those responsible until they are brought before the courts.”
Police have appealed to anyone with credible information to come forward.
Possible motive
The motive has not been established.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said investigators could not immediately confirm why the attack occurred.
Police have not ruled out a conflict involving rival groups.
Community members have also raised allegations about drug activity and territorial disputes in the area.
Those claims remain part of the investigation and should not be treated as an established motive.
Community under pressure
The attack has highlighted longstanding concerns about violent crime, illegal firearms and drug-related activity in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The provincial government has also been engaging with residents following the shooting.
For investigators, the immediate priority is identifying the attackers and securing evidence that can support prosecutions.
No arrests yet
At the latest update, police had not announced an arrest in connection with the mass shooting.
The 72-hour operation is therefore critical to the immediate investigation, although police work will continue beyond that period if suspects are not located.
FACT BOX
- Location: KwaMakhutha, south of Durban
- Date: 22 September 2026
- Confirmed deaths: 12
- Hospitalised: Several victims
- Police operation: 72-hour tracking operation
- Arrests: None announced at latest update
- Motive: Not established
Crime Connect Legal Note: Police have not identified or arrested anyone in connection with the shooting at the time of publication. Any claims circulating on social media about alleged perpetrators should be treated with caution.
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