# 11 killed in Durban mass shooting

> Gunmen opened fire at a house party in South Africa, killing at least 11 people in what police suspect may be gang-related violence.
- Title: 11 killed in Durban mass shooting · BBC News | Shortify
- Summary: Gunmen opened fire at a house party in South Africa, killing at least 11 people in what police suspect may be gang-related violence. South Africa's mass…
- Keywords: south africa, durban, kwamakhutha, mass shooting, gang violence, organised crime, murder rate, police, cyril ramaphosa, illegal weapons, news, world
- Source: BBC News — https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crgjqxzl097eo
- Published: 2026-09-23T06:23:58.755+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south africa, durban, kwamakhutha, mass shooting, gang violence, organised crime, murder rate, police, cyril ramaphosa, illegal weapons, news, world
## 11 killed in Durban house party
Three gunmen stormed a house in KwaMakhutha township near Durban late Tuesday and opened fire on 14 people. Ten died at the scene and one more died in hospital.

> 13 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
## Police suspect gang rivalry
Police say some victims were under watch for illegal activities and cannot rule out a feud between rival criminal groups as the motive for the attack.
## Gunmen set fire and flee
Before escaping, the three men set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, who were carrying pistols and rifles.
## South Africa's murder crisis
South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, with more than 60 deaths per day. Mass shootings are a recent problem that has heightened public fear and shock.
## Gang wars fuel the violence
Criminal gangs fight over territory, drugs, and illegal mining operations. President Ramaphosa called organised crime the biggest threat to democracy and deployed the army to help police.

> organised crime was the most immediate threat to our democracy, our society and our economic development
## No quick fix for crime crisis
Security experts say illegal gun proliferation, weak police presence, slow courts, and alleged links between officials and criminals all enable mass shootings. Better economics and dismantled crime networks are needed.
## Key takeaway

South Africa's mass shooting problem is driven by gang rivalries, illegal weapons, and weak law enforcement, with experts saying there are no quick fixes.