eZiko Massacre: 11 Dead, Community Demands Action Against Drug Gangs and Gun Violence
The community of eZiko, near KwaMakhutha south of Durban, is living in fear after a mass shooting on Tuesday night left 11 people dead and three injured. Ten people were killed at the scene, while another died in hospital. Among the dead was a pregnant woman.
The victims were at a Zulu household party when three gunmen allegedly stormed the home and opened fire. This tragedy is the latest symptom of a deeper crisis: rampant drug trafficking and a culture of gun violence that has gripped the area for too long.
Why is eZiko living in fear?
Residents told Isolezwe that drug dealers operate in plain sight, selling substances as if they were candy. One community member said,
“These drugs have really ruined this place. We now live in a cruel area.”Another added,
“We suspect drugs are involved in this killing. We do not know what to do now to get rid of this drug problem.”
Gunfire is a daily occurrence. One resident noted that people who do not carry guns are not respected in the area. The sound of shots rings out throughout the day and night, a constant reminder of the failure of the state to protect its citizens.
What happened during the eZiko shooting?
On the night of 22 September 2026, thirteen men and one woman were at a party when three gunmen entered and opened fire. Ten died at the scene, and four were taken to hospital, where one more succumbed to injuries. One of the deceased, Mlungisi Zulu, a sangoma, had his VW Polo catch fire after being hit by bullets.
The aftermath was harrowing. Families were seen cleaning blood from walls and floors, with furniture removed to allow a thorough cleanup. Empty alcohol bottles littered the yard as neighbours gathered in shock.
What is the police response?
SAPS has launched a manhunt for the suspects. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane has ordered a 72-hour tracking operation in response to the massacre. However, preliminary investigations reveal that some victims were on Crime Intelligence's radar for illegal activities, a detail police will not divulge to protect the investigation.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli condemned the killings as brutal and called for an urgent imbizo with the community, police, and stakeholders. He urged residents to share information, saying,
“If there is any information, they must give it to the police so that they will zoom in on the (possible) suspects who are having illegal firearms or who are the drug dealers so that we solve this.”
What does the community need now?
The KwaMakhutha Community Policing Forum has called for the expansion of the local police station, a modest demand given the scale of the crisis. Councillor Thabisile Zungu summed up the community's anguish:
“We are used to people being killed by guns in this area. But for them to be killed in a mass shooting and in such a merciless manner is something new.”
This is not just a crime story. It is a story of systemic neglect, of communities abandoned to the scourge of drugs and illegal firearms. The people of eZiko deserve more than words. They deserve action, resources, and a state that treats their lives as valuable. The legacy of apartheid's spatial planning and economic marginalisation continues to fuel these crises, and until we confront that history, the bullets will keep flying.
Frequently asked questions about the eZiko mass shooting
How many people died in the eZiko shooting?
Eleven people were killed, including a pregnant woman. Ten died at the scene, and one more passed away in hospital.
What is the suspected motive for the attack?
The motive has not been confirmed, but community members suspect drug-related violence. Police say some victims were known to Crime Intelligence for illegal activities.
What action is the government taking?
A 72-hour tracking operation has been activated, and an imbizo will be held to discuss crime in the area. The Community Policing Forum is also demanding a larger police station.