The Eastern Cape province is reeling from a horrific double mass shooting in Lusikisiki that claimed the lives of seventeen people.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning in Ngobozana village, left a community in shock and mourning. Police have launched a major investigation, deploying significant resources to apprehend those responsible.
The incident unfolded at two homesteads situated on the same street. At the first homestead, four individuals were fatally shot, leaving no survivors. The second homestead, which housed nineteen people across two dwellings within the same yard, witnessed an even more devastating attack. Thirteen people were murdered there, leaving behind six survivors – four women, one man, and a two-month-old baby.
Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, addressed the media on Saturday afternoon at the Thanduxolo School Hall in KwaNobuhle, Gqeberha, providing details of the tragedy.
"In total, fifteen women and two men were killed. The number of people that perished is 17 at the moment… an intolerably huge number of people. So I will refer to that as a mass killing which I have no doubt to call it senseless and is a serious incident and those people can't escape justice," he stated.
Mchunu confirmed that the victims were all from the same family. He revealed that the motive behind the killings remains unknown, stating, "We don't know the motive of the killings. The incident happened overnight, and we are just following investigations by those involved and have been tasked to investigate. We will then ultimately get the [suspects]."
Despite the lack of a clear motive, the police response has been swift and decisive. National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has mobilised maximum resources to ensure the swift apprehension of the perpetrators.
"The national commissioner has deployed a dedicated team of detectives and forensic experts which include crime scene managers from Pretoria to piece all evidence together in a bid to apprehend these brutal criminals," Mchunu explained.
A video released by the police shows the proximity of the two targeted houses. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police spokesperson, confirmed the early Saturday morning timing of the first incident and highlighted the miraculous survival of a two-month-old baby.
"The two-month-old baby has been taken to the hospital for a medical checkup," she said.
"The South African Police Service has launched an extensive search to bring those responsible for these brutal killings to justice. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities," she added, reiterating the police's determination to restore peace and security in the area and prevent further violence.
Forensic science lab experts from Pretoria have been deployed to the scene to assist in the investigation. Police have appealed to the public for any information that could aid their investigation.
"The SAPS is working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice," Mathe stated.
Mchunu echoed this sentiment, expressing unwavering confidence in the investigative team.
"We have full faith and confidence in the team that has been deployed to crack this case and find these criminals. Either they hand themselves over, or we will fetch them ourselves," he declared.
The Minister also stressed the importance of community cooperation with the police.
"Communities have no one to look up to for their safety but the men and women in blue," Mchunu emphasised.
"We continue to urge communities to work closely with police in sharing information and providing tip-offs to ensure that, collectively, we create safer communities."
This horrific incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing communities in the Eastern Cape and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat violent crime. The investigation continues, and the nation awaits justice for the victims and their families.
The sheer scale of the violence, the apparent targeting of a single family, and the lack of an immediately apparent motive all contribute to the gravity of this tragedy. The police's commitment to a thorough investigation and the deployment of significant resources offer a glimmer of hope for the grieving community. The investigation is ongoing, and the nation awaits the apprehension of the perpetrators.
In a separate, unrelated incident, the Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, reported another tragedy: the deaths of three young children in Mdantsane from suspected food poisoning. Two toddlers from the same family and a baby from a neighbouring house died at Nontyatyambo Community Health Centre on Friday after reportedly consuming instant porridge. This heartbreaking event adds another layer of sorrow to an already devastating weekend for the province.
