Multiple murders reported in 24 hours in Phoenix, Verulam, Cornubia and Margate

The streets of Durban are bleeding after several murders and shooting incidents took place wihtin 24 hours

Security company Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), reported that a 43-year-old woman was murdered at the Cornubia Flats area, north of Durban, on Saturday, August 8.

The provincial police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda, confirmed the incident and said the woman was found with assault wounds.

“Reports indicate that the deceased was assaulted by her boyfriend. She tried to run for help but reportedly collapsed at the neighbour’s doorstep, where she died.”

Netshiunda said that Verulam SAPS are investigating a case of murder

In other incidents in the north Durban area, RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram said two men were shot dead on a pathway in Phoenix. He said a large crowd gathered at the scene but did not provide details regarding the murders.

“Some residents alleged that the men were habitual thieves, but this could not be immediately confirmed,” he said.

Balram also reported that two people were shot while they were seated in a white VW Golf in Verulam. It is alleged that two men were seen walking towards the vehicle and firing multiple shots while both victims were seated inside. Balram said the driver was shot multiple times and left in a critical condition.

It was further reported that a 32-year-old man was shot dead in Amaoti. Balram said suspects broke a window and discharged pepper spray into the residence while the man was asleep.

“They thereafter bent open the burglar security gate and entered the home. The homeowner fled on foot towards a river but was pursued by the attackers and shot dead,” he said.

A 23-year-old man was shot dead in an attempted robbery in Parkgate, Verulam.

“According to his girlfriend, the couple was returning to their apartment after visiting a tuck shop when they were approached by three suspects. One man initially asked for assistance before producing a handgun and demanding their cellphones and cash,” Balram said.

MARGATE

In Margate, south of KwaZulu-Natal, a man in his early 40s died following a targeted shooting incident. The KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service medical team reported that the man sustained 14 gunshot wounds during the suspected drive-by attack.

Police are yet to respond to inquiries.

Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said the levels of violence and criminality in South Africa remain far too high. He said a decrease in crime is not the same as achieving safety.

“The levels of crime are still unacceptably high, with 58 murders per day,” he said.

Earlier this year, while delivering the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2025/2026 financial year for the period of January 1 to March 31, 2026, Cachalia said the statistics revealed over 1,500 murders occurred in the residence of the perpetrator or victim.

“Violence in South Africa is not only about strangers attacking strangers. It is about partners, relatives, neighbours, and acquaintances. It is driven by arguments, jealousy, road rage and other interpersonal conflict,” Cachalia said.