Oakford, KwaZulu-Natal – December 7, 2025 – An unidentified man was discovered deceased in the early hours of Sunday morning following a fatal shooting in the residential area of Oakford, located in KwaZulu-Natal province.
The incident came to light at approximately 04:04 when a passerby alerted authorities to the presence of a male individual lying motionless in the roadway. The report prompted an immediate response from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a local emergency response organization.
RUSA officers arrived at the scene shortly after the call and confirmed the presence of the man’s lifeless body. Examination revealed that the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his back, indicating a targeted attack from behind. The body remained in the roadway until further processing by response teams.
Investigators recovered three 9mm spent cartridges in close proximity to the location of the body, providing initial ballistic evidence for the ongoing inquiry. No weapons or additional personal items were reported at the scene during the preliminary assessment.
The victim, described only as an unidentified adult male, has not yet been formally identified. Efforts to notify next of kin or match the description to missing persons reports are underway. The man’s age, nationality, and any potential connections to the area remain undisclosed pending further verification.
Oakford, a low-density suburban neighborhood approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Durban, is characterized by its mix of residential properties and light industrial zones along the Umhlanga River. The shooting marks a rare violent incident in this otherwise tranquil community, though KwaZulu-Natal has recorded elevated rates of firearm-related crimes in recent provincial statistics.
Law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), have been notified and are collaborating with RUSA in the investigation. A crime scene has been secured, and forensic teams are analyzing the area for additional evidence, such as surveillance footage from nearby properties or potential witness statements.
No arrests have been made, and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown at this stage. Authorities have appealed for public assistance, urging anyone with information about suspicious activities in Oakford during the early morning hours to contact the nearest police station or RUSA’s emergency line.
This event underscores ongoing challenges with gun violence in the region, where SAPS data from the third quarter of 2025 indicates a 5.2% increase in murder cases involving firearms compared to the previous year. The investigation continues, with updates expected as new details emerge.
