KwaZulu-Natal police respond to mass shooting and suspect shootout

Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are responding to two separate violent incidents involving high fatalities and law enforcement targets.

In Inanda, a suspect wanted for the murder of two Crime Intelligence officers was killed during a shootout with police. The officers, Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo, were ambushed in Mount Edgecombe on April 30, 2026. During the recent operation to apprehend the suspect, a member of the Special Task Force sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. Five other suspects were arrested during the confrontation.

Separately, the death toll from a mass shooting in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha has risen to 12. Armed men entered a residence on a Tuesday night and opened fire on a group of 14 people. Ten victims died at the scene, and one person later died in the hospital. While a motive has not been established, police are investigating potential conflicts between rival groups. Preliminary reports suggest some victims were known to crime intelligence in connection with alleged illegal activities. A 72-hour manhunt is currently underway to locate the attackers.