Two friends shot while asleep in Zwelisha, KZN. One died at the scene, the other shot 11 times and rushed to hospital. Motive unknown. Police investigate murder and attempted murder.
A friendly sleepover ended in horror when gunmen stormed a house in Zwelisha, north of Durban, turning laughter into screams and safety into chaos.
On the morning of 4 August, two friends were asleep at the homeowner’s house when unknown assailants opened fire. One man died instantly, while his friend survived despite being shot eleven times—now fighting for life in hospital.
Witnesses describe the pair as unsuspecting house guests. The visitor had decided to spend the night. Neither expected violence in the dark hours.
“Unknown men stormed the house and opened fire toward the men. The homeowner sustained multiple bullets; his friend was hit once and died on the spot,” one resident said.
The victim shot once died at the scene. His friend, hit multiple times—reportedly eleven bullets—was transported to hospital awake and conscious.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesman Prem Balram confirmed:
“Upon arrival, we found the deceased next to the bed, a single gunshot wound. The survivor had multiple injuries. Cartridges were scattered, and windows, doors, and walls damaged.”
KwaZulu-Natal police spokeswoman Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo stated that Verulam cops are now investigating both murder and attempted murder.
At present, no arrests have been made. The motive remains unknown. Neighbours are unsure whether anything was stolen, but speculation points to the homeowner being targeted.
A local said:
“Maybe the gunmen meant to kill the homeowner. His guest caught the bullet meant for someone else.”
Families in Zwelisha are reeling.
One mother whispered: "How safe is a sleepover if the door can be kicked down and gunshots follow?"
This incident isn't isolated. The broader area has seen alarming levels of violence—community patrollers shot at home, children killed while walking outside, and e-hailing drivers gunned down.
Reaction officers have responded to at least four murders around Zwelisha in 24 hours alone.(turn0search3, turn0search11)
It’s a crisis no one expected in their peaceful homes.
Do you feel unsafe hosting friends at home anymore?
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Yes, the risk is too high
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No, but precautions matter
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Only for overnight stays
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Not at all, this was an isolated incident
Vote or share your safety tips and feelings in the comments.
Read also: Four Women Found Burned: Is Pretoria Facing a Serial Killer?
If you believe every life lost should be remembered—and every crime must demand justice—follow our blog. Real stories. Real grief. Real calls for change.
~BILLY JAYDEN LOUIS
Tags:
Zwelisha shooting, KZN home invasion, murder at sleepover, Reaction Unit South Africa, Verulam shooting investigation, violence in Ekhaya Zwelisha, gun attack Durban, community safety, crime in KZN
Sources:
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Mbali Dlungwana | SNL24 article Innocent Sleepover Turns Deadly! detailing events in Zwelisha. (turn0search2, turn0search7)
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Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) confirmed details and context of escalating violence in the area.(turn0search3, turn0search11)
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