A man believed to be in his 30s was shot and killed in an alleged drive-by shooting in Westville, west of Durban, on Tuesday afternoon.
According to emergency responders, the victim was travelling alone in his vehicle when unknown gunmen reportedly opened fire. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Mason Road and Terrace Road, sending shockwaves through the usually quiet suburb.
Paramedics from ALS Paramedics were dispatched to the scene following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they found members of the South African Police Service already in attendance.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that the vehicle had been riddled with bullets. Emergency personnel were directed to the car, where they found the driver — believed to have been the sole occupant — suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite efforts to assess and assist him, paramedics determined that the injuries he sustained were too severe. He was declared dead at the scene.
Jamieson explained that the victim had sustained multiple fatal gunshot wounds to his body. The exact circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, and authorities have not yet confirmed a motive.
Police have since launched an investigation into the incident. It is not yet known how many suspects were involved or what type of vehicle was used in the alleged drive-by shooting. Officers are expected to review evidence gathered at the scene, including ballistic material, as part of their probe.
The brazen attack has raised fresh concerns about violent crime in parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Residents in the area reported hearing several gunshots before emergency vehicles arrived. Some described the incident as frightening, saying it unfolded in broad daylight in a residential neighbourhood.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has information that could assist investigators to come forward.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released, pending notification of his family.
This latest shooting comes amid ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to clamp down on gun violence across the province. Community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger measures to address the proliferation of illegal firearms and targeted attacks.
As investigations continue, police are expected to provide further details once more information becomes available.
The incident adds to a growing list of fatal shootings reported in recent weeks, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by crime-fighting authorities in the region.
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