Seventeen people have been killed in a mass shooting in a remote South African town, with authorities launching a manhunt to capture those responsible. The attack took place in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, where two homesteads were targeted. Twelve women and one man were killed at one location, while three women and one man were killed at a second site.
An 18th victim is currently in critical condition in the hospital. The victims were reportedly gathered to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony when the attack occurred. They were packing goods and presents for the event, including furniture.
The gunmen entered the homes and opened fire randomly, leaving the local community in shock and fear. At one of the locations, 19 people had been sleeping, with only six survivors, including a two-month-old child, who was unharmed but taken to the hospital as a precaution. There were no survivors at the other homestead.
Police are still investigating the motive behind the attack and have yet to make any arrests. A team of detectives and experts have been dispatched to the area to gather evidence and apprehend the attackers. Officials have suggested that the assailants may have been known to the victims.
South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates globally, continues to struggle with violent crime. The country experienced more than 27,000 murders in 2022, equating to 45 murders per 100,000 people.
