Gunmen attack South Africa house party, killing 11 including woman believed to be pregnant

Three gunmen attacked a house party in KwaMakhutha township, South Africa, late Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people, including a woman believed to be pregnant. Three additional individuals sustained injuries in the mass shooting that occurred approximately 30 kilometers south of Durban. Ten victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with an eleventh succumbing to their injuries at the hospital.

Police have initiated a search for the three suspects, with no arrests reported yet. While the motive behind the attack remains unknown, authorities have not ruled out a feud between rival groupings, noting that some of the victims were known to police in connection with criminal activity. The provincial premier, Thami Ntuli, expressed deep disturbance over the killings, highlighting existing issues with drug dealing and illegal firearms in the impoverished community.

The incident is the latest in a series of mass shootings that have plagued South Africa, a country grappling with high rates of violent crime. Forensic investigators are examining the scene, where the bodies of some victims were found covered with white sheets, and are also investigating a potentially connected car torching nearby.