Police launch manhunt after 11 killed in mass shooting in South Africa

South African police have launched a manhunt for suspects after 11 people were shot dead and three others injured in KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province.

Police said 14 people, including 13 men and a woman believed to be pregnant, were inside a house in the Ziko area on Tuesday night when three men arrived and opened fire.

Ten people died at the scene, while four others were taken to hospital. One of the injured later died.

Three other people survived the attack, police said.

Police said preliminary investigations showed that some of the victims were known to Crime Intelligence in connection with unspecified illegal activities. They did not provide further details, citing the ongoing investigation.

The motive for the shooting has not been established, although police said a feud between rival groups could not be ruled out.

Acting police chief Puleng Dimpane said a 72-hour tracking operation had been activated to find those responsible.

"There is no place in our communities for the senseless taking of human lives. Police must act decisively, mobilize all available resources and pursue those responsible until they are brought before the courts," Dimpane said.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli condemned the attack, saying it had left the community in shock and grief.

Police said investigators were following leads that could help identify those responsible.