THE death toll in the KwaMakhutha mass shooting has risen to 12 after one of the victims who was rushed to hospital succumbed to their injuries.

The mass shooting took place at around 23:00 on September 22 after at least three assailants barged into the Memela home while several people from around the eZiko area were indoors and enjoying a party. The victims were shot indiscriminately, leaving 11 dead and three injured.

Also read: A mass shooting carnage in KwaMakhutha

After the incident, police acting national commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, directed the KZN provincial commissioner to activate a 72-hour tracking operation to pursue and apprehend the assailants. No arrests have been made so far.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the motive for the shooting could not be immediately confirmed, but a feud between rival groupings cannot be ruled out. Members of the community later told KZN Premier Thami Ntuli that the dispute had been over drug-dealing territory.

Dimpane said investigators were following a promising lead that could assist in making a breakthrough in the case.

Police are urging anyone with reliable information about the suspects or the shooting to contact the investigating team or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

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