A shooting in Durban's North Beach area has left one man injured following a domestic dispute, prompting police investigations into attempted murder and assault.
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A SHOOTING incident in Durban's North Beach area during the early hours of Monday has left one man injured following an alleged domestic altercation.
The incident is believed to have happened around 3:30am near the Elangeni Hotel area, sending shockwaves through beachfront precinct.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, Durban Central SAPS are investigating two counts of attempted murder and one of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“It is alleged that an argument ensued between a male and a female who are reported to be in a relationship. The male allegedly assaulted the female and when a passerby attempted to defuse the situation he was also assaulted. During that time the female managed to run towards the beach.”
Magwaza added that the suspect allegedly returned to his vehicle, retrieved a firearm and fired several shots.
“The man went to his car, came back with a firearm and fired shots towards the fleeing female as well as the male who had tried to defuse the fight. The male victim sustained injuries on his foot. No arrests have been made yet; investigations are ongoing,” he said.
Chairperson of the North Beach Community Policing Forum (CPF), Mahomed Essa, said the shooting allegedly took place opposite Grosvenor Court after car guards attempted to intervene in the dispute.
“The car guard was shot and rushed to Addington Hospital, luckily he is in stable condition. It is alleged that the argument started inside the hotel and proceeded outside to Grosvenor Court. The car guard tried to intervene. The suspect went away and came back with his firearm and shot several times.”
Essa alleged that the suspect may have been under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
“It was a domestic dispute and it is alleged that he was under the influence. Guns should not be used during anger. The suspect hit the woman and shot the car guard,” he said.
He added that the incident disturbed the calm atmosphere typically associated with the beachfront area during the early hours.
“This incident really woke the area up, North Beach is a quiet place in the mornings. However, domestic incidents and arguments in general happen very frequently in the area because North Beach is a tourism area, often filled with party-going people who are under the influence of alcohol and end up having arguments.”
Police are still searching for the alleged shooter, who reportedly fled the scene in his vehicle.
“The alleged shooter fled the scene with his vehicle and SAPS are tracing the suspect. This is now an ongoing investigation,” said Essa.
He also raised concerns about firearm misuse and broader social issues affecting the area.
“A firearm is a serious responsibility, not a tool for anger, domestic disputes or use under the influence. We also have a huge problem with prostitution in the area, where rich men bring the women to five-star hotels. It is becoming a serious issue in society,” he said.
Ward 26 councillor Sharmaine Sewshanker condemned the violence and called for stronger support systems for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
“This was a serious domestic dispute which could have ended up worse. I am always advocating for Gender-Based Violence survivors and prevention,” said Sewshanker.
“I feel that every police station should have a safe room for victims to tell their story. Often women think the police cannot help them and do not bother asking for help. This is becoming a serious issue in our society.”
Sewshanker also stressed the importance of firearm safety and community intervention in domestic violence situations.
“We need to also speak about safety around firearms, that could help with the issues around GBV deaths. Thank God this woman did not get shot.”
“People often turn a blind eye when they hear a couple arguing because they do not like to get involved but we should be helping or at least phoning the police for help. We need to help each other — someone speaking up can save another person's life. Our community needs to look out for each other,” she said.