A mass shooting in eZiko, near KwaMakhutha, South Africa, has left 11 people dead and three injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday night, September 22, 2026, when three gunmen allegedly stormed a Zulu household where a party was being held and opened fire on the occupants. The victims include a pregnant woman, and the community is reeling from the tragedy. The incident has highlighted concerns about gun violence and drug abuse in the area.
The community of eZiko has expressed concern about the regular gunfire and rampant drug use in the area. Residents have reported that gunshots are a common occurrence, and drug trafficking is a significant problem. Some community members have suspected that drugs may have been involved in the killing. The local councillor, Thabisile Zungu, has stated that the community is worried about the state of the area, where gun killings have become increasingly common.
The victims of the mass shooting have been identified, and their families are mourning their loss. Mlungisi Zulu, a sangoma (traditional healer), was among those killed, and his vehicle was hit by bullets and caught fire. The police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are investigating the motive behind the killings. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has condemned the killings, describing them as brutal.
Premier Ntuli has called for an urgent imbizo (meeting) to discuss the crime situation in the area, involving the community, police, and other stakeholders. The KwaMakhutha Community Policing Forum has urged the government to expand the local police station to help address the crime problem. The police have appealed for community members to come forward with any information that could assist the investigation.
The South African Police Service has reported that the victims were reportedly having a party inside a house when three men arrived and opened fire on them. Ten victims died at the scene, and four were taken to hospital, where one succumbed to gunshot injuries. The police have revealed that some of the victims were on Crime Intelligence's radar in connection with illegal activities.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has directed KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to activate an urgent 72-hour tracking operation following the mass shooting in eZiko. The police are working to determine the motive behind the killings and to apprehend the suspects. The community is cooperating with the police and providing information to help solve the case.
The mass shooting in eZiko has left the community in shock and fear. Residents are calling for action to be taken to address the crime problem and to make their community a safer place. The incident has highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of violence and crime in the area.
Key points
- 11 people were killed and 3 injured in the mass shooting.
- The community is concerned about the level of drug abuse and trafficking in the area.
- The police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are investigating the motive behind the killings.
