KwaMakhutha Community Raises Alarm Over Crime After Mass Shooting Kills 11

The KwaMakhutha community is calling for increased police patrols after 11 people were killed in a mass shooting at a house in the township.

The victims were attending a party when unknown gunmen opened fire on the house last night. A heavily pregnant woman was among those killed, while three survivors are in hospital fighting for their lives.

Community members who witnessed the attack told EWN that a group of men wearing balaclavas and bulletproof vests opened fire with automatic rifles.

Residents reported hearing repeated bursts of gunfire during the attack.

Residents Fear Further Violence

Ward councillor Thabisile Zungu said the frequency of gunfire in the area had become so commonplace that some residents initially did not realise the seriousness of what was happening.

“This is a very problematic area. The residents I spoke to said they didn’t take notice of the gunshots because this is a regular occurrence. It was only when they heard there is a fire that they became startled at what was going on.”

The attack also extended to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims. According to the supplied account, the gunmen repeatedly fired at the car until it caught fire.

Calls For Increased Police Patrols

Zungu said residents were concerned about being caught in violence they believe may be linked to a suspected gang conflict.

The councillor said the community wanted regular police patrols in the area because residents feared becoming collateral victims of the violence.

The shooting has intensified concerns in KwaMakhutha over what residents describe as persistent crime and gun violence in the township.