A horrific wave of violence has swept through the remote South African town of Lusikisiki, leaving 17 people dead, including 15 women. The shootings, which occurred on Friday night at two separate locations in the same neighborhood, have sent shockwaves through the community.
The Eastern Cape police confirmed that 12 women and one man were killed at the first location, while three women and one man were killed at the second. A further victim, an 18th person, remains in critical condition in the hospital.
Police have launched a full-scale manhunt to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act. “A manhunt has been launched to apprehend those behind these heinous killings,” said Brig. Athlenda Mathe, national police spokesperson. “The police will leave no stone unturned to apprehend the culprits,” echoed Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha.
The brutal nature of the attack has left the community reeling. “The gunmen came and shot randomly killing everyone. Women and children were also killed in the bloody shooting,” said Ingquza Hil Mayor Nonkosi Pepping. “This has left the community terrified.”
The South African government has condemned the shootings in the strongest possible terms and urged community members to cooperate with the police in the investigation. The authorities have also requested anyone with information about the crime to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
The incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing problem of violent crime in South Africa. In the 12 months between March 1, 2023, and February 28, 2024, the country recorded over 27,000 homicides, a shocking average of more than 70 per day in a nation of 62 million people. As the investigation continues, authorities are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice and offer solace to the families of the victims.
