Eleven people were killed by gunmen who attacked a house in Durban, in eastern South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntoli announced Wednesday.
Firearms are widespread in South Africa, both legally and illegally, and shootings are common, particularly due to gang feuds and competition among those who wield influence in the informal economy.
"The victims, including a pregnant woman, were gathered in a house shortly before 11:00 PM (9:00 PM GMT) when gunmen stormed in and opened fire," Ntoli told AFP, adding that two people survived the attack.
The motive for the attack was not immediately clear.
Ntoli noted that "this incident has caused deep shock and grief among the residents."
According to local television station eNCA, the two attackers forced those present to gather in a room before opening fire. Reports also indicate they set fire to a car belonging to one of the victims.
"It's shocking and heartbreaking," said one resident. "These are people I grew up with. I can't believe it. It's like something out of a movie." He added, "I've lived here all my life and I've never seen anything like this."
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, with approximately 60 people killed every day in the country of around 62 million.
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