Phoenix dad gunned down as 11-year-old son hides in kitchen

Phoenix, KwaZulu-Natal — A 46-year-old man was shot dead inside his home on Old Cottage Road in Greenbury, Phoenix, on Sunday evening in what police believe was a targeted attack.

According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a lone gunman wearing blue jeans entered the property and walked into the lounge where the victim was seated. The suspect allegedly produced a 9mm firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the man seven times.

“The suspect entered the residence and immediately opened fire on the victim in the lounge,” said a RUSA spokesperson. “The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared deceased at the scene.”

At the time of the shooting, the deceased’s 11-year-old son was in the kitchen. He was not injured.

“The child was inside the house during the incident but, fortunately, was unharmed,” the spokesperson said.

The gunman fled the scene immediately after the shooting, exiting through the rear of the property. RUSA members arrived at approximately 20:09 and conducted an initial assessment.

“It is believed that a getaway vehicle was parked at the rear of the property,” the spokesperson said. “However, the description and registration of the vehicle are unknown at this stage.”

Authorities confirmed that nothing was stolen from the home and that the motive for the shooting remains unclear.

“No items were taken, and the motive is unknown at this point,” the spokesperson added. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Police are expected to follow up with a full investigation as detectives work to trace the suspect and establish the circumstances surrounding the killing.