Eleven people were killed and three others wounded after three armed men opened fire on a group gathered at a house party in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, South Africa.
The shooting happened on Tuesday night, Sept. 22, in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha in KwaZulu-Natal province. Police said 13 men and a woman believed to be pregnant were inside the house when the attackers arrived and opened fire.
Ten victims, including the woman, died at the scene. Four others were taken to hospital, where one later died from gunshot injuries, bringing the confirmed death toll to 11. Three people remain injured.
South African police have launched a manhunt for the three suspects and activated a 72-hour tracking operation to identify and arrest those responsible. Authorities said investigators were following a promising lead, but no arrests had been reported in the latest updates.
The motive remains under investigation. Police said some of the victims were known to the Crime Intelligence division in connection with alleged illegal activities, although authorities did not disclose further details because of the ongoing investigation. Police also said a feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.
The attack adds to concerns over violent crime and mass shootings in South Africa. Police and crime experts have previously identified the circulation of illegal firearms as a major factor contributing to violent killings in the country.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with credible information about the suspects or the attack to assist investigators as the manhunt continues.
