Two horrific mass shootings in the remote South African town of Lusikisiki has left 17 people dead. Police are currently investigating the incident and are actively searching for the perpetrators.
The attack took place on Friday night, targeting two homesteads in the Nyathi village, Ngobozana in Lusikisiki. According to reports, the victims were relatives and neighbors who had gathered at the houses to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony. They were preparing to commemorate the death of a mother and daughter who were murdered a year ago.
The attackers, whose motive remains unknown, opened fire on the gatherings, leaving 12 women and one man dead at one homestead and three women and one man dead at the other. An 18th victim, a man, is currently in critical condition in hospital.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that a total of 19 people were sleeping in the two homes at one of the locations. Six people survived the attack at that homestead - four women, a man, and a two-month-old baby who was unharmed. Sadly, there were no survivors at the other homestead.
A team of detectives and expert investigators from Pretoria have been deployed to Lusikisiki to gather evidence and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
Cabinet member for community safety, Xolile Nqatha, expressed hope for the critically injured man's recovery, stating that his testimony could provide valuable insights into the incident. He also suggested that the assailants may have been known to the victims.