South Africa: Shooting in Marianhill, Ethekwini Municipality, late July 30; multiple casualties

Event

Unidentified assailants shot and killed seven people in Marianhill near Pinetown in Ethekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province, at approximately 19:30 July 30. The incident occurred near an informal food outlet. The motive for the attack and the identity of the perpetrators is unclear.

Marianhill is located approximately 20 km (13 miles) west of downtown Durban.

Context

This is the latest in several high-profile mass shootings in South Africa. Assailants shot and killed 14 people at a tavern in Nomzamo Park in Soweto, Johannesburg, July 10. Four people were killed at a tavern in Pietermartizburg, KwaZulu-Natal Province, late July 9. Violent crime is a nationwide threat in South Africa. The threat of violent crime is particularly high in informal settlements near major urban centers. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world. In June, officials released crime statistics for the first three months of 2022. Data indicated that murder had increased 22.2 percent compared with the same period last year, with 6,083 people killed from January to March. Police indicated that disputes, vigilantism, revenge/retaliation, and robberies were the top causative factors.

Advice

Exercise caution in high crime threat locations. Liaise with trusted contacts for updates before travel. Consider avoiding unnecessary travel at night. Ensure that personal safety, travel and residential/business office security measures are regularly reviewed.