At Least 11 Killed in South Africa House Party Shooting

Source: Africa Publicity

At least 11 people, including a pregnant woman, have been killed after armed men stormed a house in a township in the South African city of Durban, authorities said.

The attack occurred late Tuesday night, according to KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli. The assailants reportedly entered the house shortly before 11pm local time while the victims were gathered for a house party.

Two people survived the attack, Mr Ntuli said, while the motive for the killings remained unclear.

“The incident has left the community in profound shock and grief,” the premier said.

Local broadcaster eNCA reported that the attackers forced those inside into a single room before opening fire. A vehicle belonging to one of the victims was also reportedly set on fire.

A resident told eNCA that he was struggling to comprehend the scale of the attack, saying some of the victims were people he had known while growing up.

“It’s shocking and sad. These are guys I grew up with. I can’t believe it. It’s like a movie,” the resident said.

“I’ve been staying here all my life, and I’ve never seen anything like this,” he added.

According to a police statement cited by eNCA, preliminary investigations indicated that some of those killed were known to South Africa’s Crime Intelligence unit in connection with suspected illegal activities. Police did not provide further details.

“Although the motive for the shooting has not yet been confirmed, a feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out,” police said.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the killings, while the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the attack are being established.

South Africa has one of the world’s highest murder rates. An average of about 60 people are killed each day in the country, which has a population of roughly 62 million.