THE surge in violent crime across Durban’s southern suburbs has raised concerns among the public as attempted murders and shootings continue to rise with little sign of slowing.

Recently, two people, including a child, narrowly escaped death when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire on Tuin Road in Wentworth on March 18.

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Alarming increase in gun-related violence

The brazen attack has intensified concerns about public safety in an area already grappling with persistent violence.

According to PT Alarms spokesperson, Dhevan Govindasamy, the victims were unharmed despite the severity of the shooting. However, the close call highlights the growing danger faced by residents.

“The child was inside the house when a stray bullet entered through an open window and struck a wall,” Govindasamy said. There has been a string of shootings in Wentworth with communities reporting an alarming increase in gun-related violence. 

In a separate incident, one suspect wanted for reckless and negligent driving was shot and wounded during a shoot-out with the police on the N2 Southbound. The other suspects managed to escape. 

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Police spokesperson in Montclair, Constable Nora Ndlovu, said the police tried to stop the vehicle that was travelling at a high speed, however, the suspects opened fire on the police and the police retaliated.

“One suspects was injured during the shoot-out. He was arrested at the scene and charged for attempted murder and reckless and negligent driving,” said Ndlovu.

The accused, who is a foreign national and known as Shaun Magcaba, appeared at the Durban Magistrate’s Court.

Crime statistics for the third quarter of 2025/ 2026 financial year

The recent crime statistics for the third quarter of 2025/ 2026 financial year showed an increase in attempted murder cases while there is a slight decline of murder cases reported in KZN.

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, in his recent address on crime statistics for the third quarter of 2025/ 2026 financial year, raised concerns about the increase in the murder of police officials.

Also read: Vispol patrols decrease Wentworth crime

Between October and December 2024, five cases of police officer murders were reported in KZN, compared to seven cases during the same period in 2025.

The crime statistics show that KZN recorded an increase of 192 attempted murder cases. In 2024, the province recorded 7 666 cases while in 2025, there was a sharp increase of 192 new cases which increase the numbers to 7 858.

Between October 2024 to December 2024, KZN recorded 1 493 murder cases while from October 2025 to December 2025, the province reported a slight decrease of 1 297, which is a decrease of 196 cases.

While the crime statistics show a reduction in murders throughout the country, there has however been an increase in the reports of attempted murders from 7 666 cases in 2024/5 to 7 858 cases in the 2025/6 period.

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