KwaMakhutha Mass Shooting Death Toll Hits 12 As South Africans Question the Violence in KZN

• The death toll of the deadly KwaMakutha mass shooting has risen, as another victim passed away in hospital
• Three gunmen stormed a party in KwaMakhutha on 22 September 2026 and opened fire on a group of 14 people
• South Africans weighed in on the latest update, sharing varied reactions and expressing concern over the violence

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

KWAZULU-NATAL — The death toll from the KwaMakhutha mass shooting has climbed to 12 after one of the three hospitalised victims succumbed to their injuries.

The attack took place on the night of 22 September 2026 in the Iziko section of KwaMakhutha township, roughly 30 kilometres south of Durban. Three unidentified gunmen entered a residential property where 14 people had gathered for a party at approximately 11:00 PM.

Read also

Hawks Officer arrested over alleged kidnappings and extortion in Gqeberha, South Africans frustrated

The attackers forced all those present into a single room before opening fire. Before fleeing, they set a vehicle belonging to one of the victims alight. 11 people, including a pregnant woman, were confirmed dead at the scene. Three others were transported to nearby medical facilities with serious wounds.

No arrests made as police continue investigation

No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The South African Police Service launched an intensive 72-hour manhunt following the attack, with crime intelligence units actively involved.

Preliminary investigations suggest that several individuals who were present at the property had been under crime intelligence surveillance for suspected illegal activities. Police believe the massacre may be connected to an ongoing feud between rival criminal gangs operating in the area, though no formal motive has been confirmed.

How did South Africans react?

South Africans reacted with grief and frustration on social media following the news.

Lynne Wootten asked:

"Do we know who did this and why?"

Thato Laduma wrote:

"What did KZN do to God actually?"

Tengani Xidumu ZA commented:

"In KZN, most people were killed without a reason. Someone just wakes up and thinks of killing."

Read also

11 people shot dead in KwaMakhutha house attack, pregnant woman among victims

Zola Mpehle added:

"It's painful what's happening in KZN."

Suso Ngola said:

"South Africa has too many unlicensed guns. That's why crime is high."

KwaMakhutha massacre families deny victims had crime links

Briefly News reported that families of the KwaMakhutha mass shooting victims pushed back against claims that they were connected to drug syndicates.

One of the bereaved mothers, Nomusa Zulu, spoke out against accusations circulating about the victims' backgrounds after she lost two sons in the attack.

Residents attributed the violence to ongoing drug-related rivalries in the area, while police acknowledged that some victims appeared on crime intelligence records.

Source: Briefly News