Gunmen attacked a home in the KwaMakhutha township on Tuesday evening, opening fire inside a residence where 14 people were gathered. Eleven people were killed and three others were injured.
Police have not yet confirmed the reason behind the attack but said that they cannot rule out a conflict between rival groups. According to police, 13 men and one woman, who was believed to be pregnant, were attending a party when three armed individuals entered the house and began shooting.
Ten people, including the woman, died at the scene. Four people were taken to a hospital and one later died from gunshot wounds. The other three were injured.
The shooting happened shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday in the Ziko area of KwaMakhutha. The township is about 30 kilometers south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal province.
Local media outlet eNCA reported that the attackers forced everyone into one room before opening fire on those inside, according to Al Jazeera. The attackers also reportedly set fire to a vehicle belonging to one of the victims.
Police have launched a manhunt for the attackers. No arrests had been announced in the initial police statement.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli visited the area Wednesday and met with police, community representatives and residents. He said the shooting had left the community in shock and grief.
Residents told Ntuli that gunfire at night had allegedly become common in the Ziko area. They also raised concerns about drug use and other criminal activity in the community.
A local resident who spoke with eNCA said he had grown up with some of the victims. He described the attack as shocking and said he had never seen anything like it despite living in the area his entire life.
Police said preliminary investigations showed that some of those killed had been on Crime Intelligence's radar in connection with suspected illegal activities. Authorities said they could not provide more details because doing so could interfere with the investigation.
Police said a feud between rival groups remains one possible motive. However, investigators have not made a final determination about why the victims were targeted.
Authorities were also investigating whether the burning of a vehicle near the house was connected to the shooting.
A forensic vehicle was seen parked near the scene of the shooting in KwaMakhutha while investigators examined the property. Police cordoned off the area as forensic teams gathered evidence.
The South African government condemned the attack and urged residents to remain calm. Officials called on anyone with information to cooperate with police rather than taking matters into their own hands.
The attack comes amid continuing concern about violent crime and firearms in South Africa. Police statistics show the country continues to record a high number of homicides. Sky News reported that nearly 60 homicides a day were recorded on average between April and June this year.
KwaMakhutha has also faced concerns about local crime. During Ntuli's visit, some residents called for stronger action against illegal firearms and criminal activity in the area.
Police said the search for the three gunmen and the investigation into the motive are continuing.