A heavy police and security presence was deployed to Wentworth on Friday following a fatal shooting in Major Calvert Street. The incident claimed the lives of two people, including a child, while several others were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for at least two suspects linked to the attack. He said an unconfirmed number of people had been seated outside a flat when a grey Mazda 3 drove up to them. Two men then exited the vehicle and opened fire on the group.
“The victims ran in different directions, but the assailants reportedly ran after them as they continued shooting,” said Netshiunda. “Two people were shot and killed, whilst seven more victims were taken to hospital with various degrees of gunshot injuries. A dog was also shot and killed during the incident. The victims’ ages range between 15 and 22 years old. The motive of the killing is unknown; however, gang- and drug-related turf wars cannot be ruled out.”
Private security company PT Alarms initially reported that eight people had been shot in total, with one of the victims believed to have been a child caught in the crossfire.
Multiple tactical units are currently working alongside SAPS Wentworth, PT Alarms, the Umlazi Tactical Response Team, SAPS Airwing, the Metro Police K9 Unit, and several private security companies. The area has been cordoned off as officers continue with crime-scene investigations. Residents have been urged to avoid the area while police operations remain active.
The shooting prompted a wave of shock and anger among community members online.
Deon Buchanan said the violence had sadly become “normal in Wentworth”, adding that residents were bracing themselves as December approaches.
Kim Bowes, who was visiting family in nearby flats at the time, said she heard the gunshots and described the situation as heartbreaking.
“Children can no longer play outside safely, and residents are fearful of even walking to the shops,” she said. Bowes called for unity in the community, warning that ongoing drug-related conflicts were destroying families. She urged residents to stand up and make a difference and expressed her condolences to the families who lost loved ones.
Sfiso Mthembu commented that gang turf wars were unlikely to end, alleging that some police officers were also involved in drug-related activity.
Another user, Mfoka Gwazela, simply wrote “Wentworth”, reflecting the community’s frustration with the persistent violence.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
