Wentworth shooting: Gunmen in Mazda 3 kill two, injure seven, and shoot dog

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for suspects following a deadly shooting in Wentworth on Friday morning that left two people dead and five others injured.

Police said gunmen travelling in a grey Mazda 3 opened fire on a group of people seated outside a flat on Major Calvert Street. 

''Two men got out of the same vehicle and fired shots," said KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshuinda. 

He said the victims tried to flee, but “the assailants reportedly ran after them as they continued shooting.”

''Two people were shot and killed, whilst seven more victims were taken to hospital with various degrees of gunshot injuries.''

Police said the victims were aged between 15 and 22. 

A dog was also killed in the shootout. 

He said the motive for the attack remained unclear, adding that “gang and drug-related turf wars cannot be ruled out.”

The latest shooting adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Wentworth over recent years.

In 2023, Craig Cochrane, 55, was killed by a stray bullet while watching television in his lounge.

That same year, two other men, including 17-year-old Leyton Fynn, were shot dead in broad daylight, while a 14-year-old boy was wounded on Major Calvert Road.

Tragedy continues to strike residents, with one recent incident involving brothers Tevin and Keagan Beck, shot dead outside St Mary’s Catholic Church in Merebank while attending a relative’s funeral.

Community members say shootings have become a daily reality. 

Community activist Desmond D'sa said there had been multiple shooting incidents this week.  

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

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