KwaMakhutha Shooting: 11 Killed, Including Pregnant Woman, As Police Launch Manhunt

KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt for three suspects accused of carrying out a deadly shooting in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha on Tuesday night, 22 September 2026.

Police said 11 people were killed in the attack, while three others survived with gunshot wounds. The victims were reportedly among a group of people gathered inside a house when the gunmen arrived and opened fire.

The motive remains under investigation, with police saying a possible feud between rival groupings has not been ruled out.

11 Killed In KwaMakhutha House Shooting

According to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, 13 men and one woman, who is believed to have been pregnant, were reportedly attending a party inside the house when three men arrived.

The suspects allegedly opened fire on those inside before fleeing the scene. Ten victims, including the woman believed to have been pregnant, died at the scene.

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Four other victims were rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds, but one later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 11.

Police Launch Manhunt For Three Suspects

KwaMakhutha police are now searching for the three men allegedly responsible for the shooting.

Netshiunda said investigators were working to establish exactly what led to the attack and identify those responsible. No arrests had been confirmed at the time of reporting.

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“Information available at this stage suggests that thirteen men and one woman, who is believed to be pregnant, were reportedly having a party inside a house when three men arrived and opened fire on them,” Netshiunda said.

Police have appealed for information that could assist investigators in tracing the suspects.

Possible Rival Grouping Feud Under Investigation

Investigators are also examining whether the shooting could be linked to criminal activity involving some of the victims.

Netshiunda said preliminary investigations had revealed that some of those killed were allegedly on the Crime Intelligence radar in connection with illegal activities. Police have not disclosed the nature of those alleged activities, saying the information could compromise ongoing investigations.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that some of the victims were on Crime Intelligence' radar in connection with illegal activities which police cannot divulge at the moment to protect investigations which have been launched.”

The motive for the shooting has not been confirmed. However, police said a possible feud between rival groupings could not be ruled out as investigators continue working to establish what happened.