Two (2) men were killed in separate shooting incidents in Amaotana – KZN yesterday (Friday, 17/07/2026).
The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Centre received a call at approximately 21:25 reporting an armed robbery and shooting at a local tavern in Amaotana – KZN. On arrival, Reaction Officers interviewed witnesses who alleged that more than five (5) suspects, two (2) of whom were armed with firearms, entered the tavern and held patrons at gunpoint before robbing them of cash and cellphones.
As the suspects fled, they allegedly robbed a passerby of his cellphone and shot him once. The injured male attempted to flee towards nearby homes but collapsed a short distance away. He was declared deceased at the scene (pictures 1 & 2). His identity had not been confirmed at the time.
Two (2) other patrons were also shot inside the tavern and were transported to a medical facility prior to the arrival of Reaction Officers. The extent of their injuries could not be confirmed.
While Reaction Officers were still attending to the scene, the Operations Centre received a call at approximately 21:43 reporting a second shooting a short distance away in Amaotana – KZN (pictures 3 & 4).
On arrival, Reaction Officers interviewed a friend of the deceased who explained that he and another male had left the house to walk to a nearby tuck shop, leaving their 28-year-old friend alone inside. While they were walking away, they heard gunshots coming from the direction of the house.
Community members alleged that unknown suspects entered the residence and shot the victim. The two (2) friends returned and discovered the 28-year-old male slumped on a sofa with gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen. The deceased, who was from Ndwedwe – KZN, had been visiting a friend in Amaotana at the time of his murder.
One (1) spent cartridge was recovered at the second scene. The house and surrounding area were searched, however no suspects were located and no descriptions were obtained. The motive for the shooting remains unknown. Both scenes were handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
It could not be confirmed if the same suspects were responsible for both incidents.