A mass shooting in the remote South African town of Lusikisiki has left 17 people dead, prompting a manhunt for the assailants, according to police reports. The tragic incident unfolded at two homesteads in the Eastern Cape, where a total of 12 women and one man were shot at one location, while three women and one man were killed at another site.
In addition to the fatalities, an 18th victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is expected to visit the area following the attack, which has deeply shaken the community.
Reports indicate that the victims were mostly relatives and neighbors who had gathered in Nyathi village, Ngobozana, to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony for a mother and daughter murdered a year ago. The group was reportedly packing goods and presents, including furniture, when the shooting occurred on Friday night.
Local authorities described the scene as chaotic, with gunmen opening fire indiscriminately. Ingquza Hill Mayor Nonkosi Pepping expressed the community’s fear, stating, “The gunmen came and shot randomly… This has left the community terrified.”
South Africa Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe revealed that 19 individuals were present at one of the shooting locations, with six survivors emerging from one homestead. Among them were four women, a man, and a two-month-old child, who was taken to the hospital as a precaution. Tragically, there were no survivors at the other homestead.
As investigators continue to seek answers, officials have yet to determine the motive behind the attack or make any arrests. Brigadier Mathe confirmed that a team of detectives is on the ground, with additional experts being deployed from Pretoria to gather evidence and assist in apprehending those responsible for this heinous act.
Cabinet member for community safety, Xolile Nqatha, expressed hopes for the recovery of the critically injured victim, suggesting that his insights could shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting. He also indicated that the attackers may have been known to the victims, raising further questions about the motivations behind the attack.
South Africa grapples with one of the highest murder rates globally, with over 27,000 murders reported in 2022, equating to 45 deaths per 100,000 people in a population of nearly 60 million. In comparison, the United States reports a rate of six per 100,000, underscoring the severity of the issue in South Africa.
