KZN mass shooting: Six family members, neighbour slain in targeted attack

In what was believed to be a targeted attack, a family of nine were inside their home in Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday 11 December 2019, when shots were fired through the windows, killing five family members, as well as a neighbour.  

Details of the shooting 

Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker confirmed that what appeared to be a targeted attack took place around 20:30 on Wednesday in an informal settlement in Mpumalanga. 

According to police reports, the family was watching television and suddenly heard gunshots at the window and the door. Five family members from the same family and a neighbour were fatally wounded and a three-year-old child was rushed to a nearby clinic. 

Six people aged between eleven and 52 were declared dead at the scene after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.

“Nine members of a family were at their home in Mpumalanga informal settlement when a series of gunshots were heard from the door and window. Five members and a neighbour were subsequently fatally wounded. A three-year-old child was also rushed to a nearby clinic.” said Naicker. 

A three-year-old boy sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was transported to a nearby hospital. The remaining three members of the family were not wounded during the shooting.

9mm rounds found at scene

Naicker said a number of shotgun and 9mm rounds were found at the crime scene, and that Mpumalanga police are still conducting investigations to establish the possible motive behind the killings.

“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. Police in Mpumalanga is conducting an investigation into what could have been a possible motive,” said Naicker. 

Update:

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula condemned the brutal killing of the family in Mpumalanga.

“It is quite disturbing to hear that there are heartless people out there who can kill others in such a brutal manner. There can be no justification for killing anyone in such a callous manner,” said Jula.

“I have tasked detectives at our Provincial Organised Crime Unit led by Brigadier Mbele to investigate this matter,” added Jula.

Jula said they are trying to follow all posible leads that will assist in the speedy arrest of the suspects. Anyone with information should contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

This is a developing story – please check back for more updates