A devastating mass shooting in Lusikisiki, a remote town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, has claimed the lives of 17 people, prompting a large-scale manhunt to locate the perpetrators. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the massacre took place at two separate homesteads in the town, where the victims were gathered to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony.
Among the dead are 12 women and one man at one location, while three women and one man were killed at a second site. An 18th victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital. No arrests have been made, and authorities are urgently working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
Incident Details:
The victims, reportedly neighbors and relatives, had been assembling at the homes to pack goods and presents for a memorial service, marking the anniversary of the murder of a mother and daughter. The attack occurred late Friday night, leaving the community of Nyathi village, Ngobozana, in shock.
Local mayor, Nonkosi Pepping, shared the community’s fear, stating, “The gunmen came and shot randomly… This has left the community terrified.”
Survivors and Ongoing Investigation:
Of the 19 people present in the homes, six managed to survive, including four women, a man, and a two-month-old baby, who was taken to the hospital for precautionary checks. Sadly, the second homestead had no survivors. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that a team of detectives and experts had been deployed from Pretoria to gather evidence and pursue the attackers.
Officials are still working to determine the motive behind the brutal attack. Cabinet member for community safety, Xolile Nqatha, expressed hope that the critically injured man may recover and shed light on what transpired, suggesting that the attackers could have been known to the victims.
South Africa’s High Murder Rate:
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world. According to the latest data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the country saw over 27,000 murders in 2022, translating to 45 per 100,000 people, compared to 6 per 100,000 in the United States.
The police minister, Senzo Mchunu, is expected to visit the site of the attack as the country grapples with yet another tragic instance of violence.
News Highlights:
- Mass Shooting: 17 people, including 12 women, were killed in a mass shooting at two homesteads in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
- Victims: The victims were preparing for a traditional mourning ceremony when they were targeted.
- Survivors: Six survivors, including a two-month-old baby, were found at one of the locations.
- Manhunt Underway: A team of detectives has been dispatched to the area to investigate and locate the gunmen.
- High Murder Rate: South Africa’s murder rate remains one of the highest globally, with over 27,000 murders reported in 2022.
Conclusion:
The Lusikisiki mass shooting has shocked South Africa, adding to the country’s troubling reputation for high levels of violent crime. With police and investigative teams on the ground, the search for the killers continues as the grieving community awaits justice.