Seventeen people were killed in a mass shooting in the remote town of Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Police report that gunmen targeted two homesteads, with 12 women and one man killed at one location, and three women and one man killed at a second. An 18th victim is critically injured in hospital.
The victims, reportedly relatives and neighbors in Nyathi village, had gathered to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony when the attack occurred on Friday night. The motive remains unclear, and no arrests have been made. A manhunt is underway to find the perpetrators.
Local officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, are expected to provide further updates, with Mchunu set to visit the area.
South Africa is grappling with one of the highest murder rates in the world, with more than 27,000 homicides recorded in 2022, averaging 45 per 100,000 people. Authorities have described the incident as “gruesome and senseless,” leaving the community shaken and terrified.