Seventeen people have been killed in a mass shooting in the town of Lusikisiki, located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, with police launching a manhunt to capture those responsible. The attack targeted two homes, leaving 13 people dead at one location—12 women and one man—and four more victims, three women and a man, at a second location.
An 18th victim is in critical condition at a hospital, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The victims, believed to be relatives and neighbors, were preparing for a traditional mourning ceremony for a mother and daughter murdered a year earlier, local reports say. The attack occurred as the group packed goods and presents for the event on Friday night.
Officials have yet to determine a motive for the brutal killings. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS spokesperson, told Newzroom Afrika that 19 people were staying at one of the targeted homes, where six survivors were found, including a two-month-old baby. There were no survivors at the second location.
Authorities are intensifying the search for the perpetrators. A team of detectives and experts from Pretoria have been deployed to Lusikisiki to investigate the crime and gather evidence, with the hope of making swift arrests.
The incident has shocked the local community, with residents expressing fear following the attack. Ingquza Hill Mayor Nonkosi Pepping said, “The gunmen came and shot randomly… This has left the community terrified.”
South Africa’s police minister, Senzo Mchunu, is expected to visit the crime scene. Community safety official Xolile Nqatha expressed hope that the critically injured survivor may help shed light on the incident, suggesting the attackers may have been known to the victims.
South Africa struggles with one of the highest murder rates globally, with over 27,000 murders reported in 2022, according to the United Nations.
