Verulam shooting: Authorities urge community vigilance amid rising gun violence

A man was fatally shot along School Road in the Parkgate area of Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, in circumstances still under investigation.

The victim was killed when unknown assailants opened fire on Saturday evening.

"While on patrol, KZNVIP officers discovered the lifeless body of an African male lying on School Road with multiple gunshot wounds to the head," according to a statement by Arrive Alive.

"Upon arrival, medics assessed the victim, who sadly showed no signs of life and was declared deceased on the scene. According to residents, the victim was known in the community. The motive behind this brutal execution style killing remains unknown at this stage."

Authorities said that multiple spent cartridges were found scattered across the roadway, and police investigators worked throughout the night, collecting evidence and conducting enquiries.

A pattern: Spike in gun violence across KwaZulu-Natal

This latest killing comes shortly after a wave of shootings in neighbouring areas, underlining a worrying trend of gun-related violence in the province.

On November 14, a shooting in Wentworth left two people dead and five others wounded when gunmen opened fire on a group outside a flat.

Local sources say the suspects fled the scene, and that the victims, teenagers and young adults, appeared to have no connection to any known gang, prompting fear and outrage among residents.

In response, the province’s premier, Thami Ntuli, has urged for increased police deployment in Wentworth and called on community members to help law enforcement by sharing information.

According to the premier’s office, the aim is to “strengthen police visibility and restore peace and stability” in violence-stricken areas.

Ntuli added that dismantling criminal networks, limiting the circulation of illegal firearms, and cooperating with local communities are vital for long-term safety. 

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