WATCH | ‘This is shocking’ – 10 family members shot dead in their home

“According to initial police reports, unknown gunmen stormed a Pietermaritzburg homestead and ambushed the family, seven women and three men were fatally wounded during the shooting,” said police spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba.

Police top brass led by Police Minister, Bheki Cele visited the crime scene while police combed the area as part of their investigation.

According to national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police have made two arrests and a manhunt continues for the fourth suspect.

“Two suspects have been arrested by the KZN police. One suspect was shot dead following a mass shooting in Pietermaritzburg that led to the death of ten family members. Seven of the deceased are females while three are males.

“Three firearms have been recover and police are searching for the fourth suspect,” said Mathe.

Two suspects have been arrested by KZN police & one suspect shot dead following a mass shooting in PMB that led to the death of ten family members. 7 of the deceased are females while 3 are males. Three firearms have been recovered. Police are searching for the fourth suspect. pic.twitter.com/NX8r8MxDW6

— Athlenda Mathe (@AthlendaM) April 21, 2023

Ward councillor, Mabhungu Mkhize said the community was in shock as it had never had seen such a mass murder, reported TimesLIVE.

“This is not different from a massacre. We had a mass shooting last year but four people were killed. This is shocking. I am also going to call family members to see how we can assist them,” the report quoted Mkhizwe as saying.

The report said this brings the number of people killed in two separate shootings in the last 24 hours to 14.

Four men were shot dead in KwaMashu B section on Thursday afternoon when four suspects entered the room and opened fire, the report said.

The motive is unknown and a manhunt for the suspects has been launched.