Two Injured in Drive-By Shooting in Durban, Motive Remains Unknown
In a shocking incident that underscores the persistent threat of gun violence in KwaZulu-Natal, two people were wounded in a drive-by shooting in Durban on Tuesday morning. The attack, which occurred in the bustling city, has left the victims with injuries requiring immediate medical attention, while police scramble to uncover the reasons behind it. Emergency services rushed to the scene to provide aid, highlighting the quick response needed in such unpredictable events. As investigations begin, authorities are urging witnesses to come forward, amid concerns over rising firearm-related crimes in the province.
This latest shooting adds to a troubling pattern of drive-by attacks in Durban, where motives often range from gang rivalries to targeted hits linked to organised crime. With KwaZulu-Natal reporting hundreds of gun-related incidents annually, community leaders are calling for stronger measures to curb illegal firearms and enhance public safety.
Details of the Morning Attack
The shooting took place on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, in an area of Durban yet to be specified by officials, leaving the two victims injured but alive. According to initial reports, assailants in a moving vehicle opened fire on the pair before speeding away, a classic hallmark of drive-by tactics that make perpetrators hard to track. The victims were attended to at the scene by emergency medical teams, who stabilised them before transporting them to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
Police have confirmed the incident as a drive-by but stated that the motive is not yet known. No arrests have been made, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness statements to piece together the events. The quick getaway suggests the attackers may have planned the hit, but without clear leads, speculation ranges from personal disputes to links with broader criminal networks active in the city.
Drive-by shootings, often involving high-calibre weapons, pose significant challenges for law enforcement due to their hit-and-run nature. In this case, the absence of fatalities is a small mercy, but the psychological impact on the community remains profound, as residents fear random violence in public spaces.
Emergency Response and Victim Condition
Emergency service teams were on the scene promptly, providing critical first aid to the injured. Paramedics treated the victims for gunshot wounds, ensuring they were stable before hospital transfer. One of the injured was reported to be in serious but stable condition, while the other sustained less severe injuries. Hospitals in Durban, equipped to handle trauma from such incidents, have seen a steady influx of gunshot victims, straining resources amid the province’s high crime rates.
The rapid response from EMS and police underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in urban areas like Durban, where quick medical intervention can mean the difference between life and death. Community members who witnessed the event have praised the teams for their efficiency, but many express frustration over the recurring nature of these attacks.
Rising Gun Violence in KwaZulu-Natal: A Troubling Trend
This incident is part of a broader surge in firearm-related crimes in KwaZulu-Natal, where drive-by shootings have become alarmingly common. Earlier in 2025, similar attacks made headlines, such as the March wounding of two people in Durban and the fatal shooting of a motorist in Waterloo in May. In April 2023, police engaged in a shootout with suspects linked to a drive-by killing of an alleged drug lord, his wife, and daughter in Chatsworth, resulting in five suspects dead.
Statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) show KZN leading in murder rates, with over 5,000 homicides reported in 2024, many involving guns. Drive-bys often tie to gang wars, drug disputes, or political killings, as seen in the province’s history of taxi violence and syndicate rivalries. In Durban alone, areas like Chatsworth and Reservoir Hills have witnessed multiple such incidents, including a deadly shootout in March 2025 where police killed three suspects en route to a robbery.
Experts attribute this to the proliferation of illegal firearms, smuggled across porous borders, and weak enforcement in hotspots. Community forums and anti-crime groups have called for more visible policing and intelligence-led operations to dismantle these networks. The province’s high unemployment—over 40%—and poverty exacerbate tensions, making recruitment into crime syndicates easier.
Police Investigation and Community Appeals
SAPS has launched a full investigation, with teams scouring for evidence like shell casings and vehicle descriptions. Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously. “The motive for the shooting is not yet known,” police confirmed, but they are exploring all angles, including possible links to organised crime.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 116 🔴Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Suspended Police General Sibaya Says National Commisioner Fannie Masemola ‘Betrayed’ Him
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Central-News-Issue-114-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za