Godini village, nestled in the Qumbu district of the Eastern Cape, is grappling with the aftermath of a horrific mass shooting that claimed the lives of six community policing forum (CPF) members on Sunday night.
Four others sustained injuries in the attack, which occurred as the patrollers prepared for their evening patrol at Lugongozo Junior Secondary School.
The attack unfolded around 22:45, according to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli.
"Six victims were fatally shot, while four were injured and taken to hospital for treatment," he stated.
Warrant Officer Nkohli described the assailants as "at least eight men, who were armed with rifles and handguns," who opened fire on the unsuspecting patrollers. The suspects remain at large, and a manhunt is underway.
Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene confirmed the launch of a full-scale investigation.
"We have mobilised maximum resources, and we are concerned that those who are working and assisting the police are being targeted and attacked. We will do our best to ensure that those who are behind this mass shooting are apprehended," she said, adding, "As the police, we condemn this incident, and we also extend our condolences to the families of the deceased."
The motive for the killings remains under investigation, but a police source indicated a possible link to the escalating stock theft plaguing the Qumbu area. The source stated that Qumbu has experienced a significant increase in stock theft incidents recently. This tragic event occurred just days after a community policing plan was discussed at a Civilian Directorate of the SA Police Service (SAPS) roadshow in Godini.
The Civilian Secretariat's director-general, Thulani Sibuyi, described the attack as a "ruthless ambush," highlighting that the victims' activities were part of the Integrated Crime and Violence Prevention Strategy in the area.
He expressed the government's intolerance for such acts of criminality, stating, "As we encourage community members to take ownership of their safety through legitimate community mobilisation, the government will not tolerate any means and forms of sabotage by irrational acts of criminality."
Mr Sibuyi further noted the alarming crime statistics in the Mhlontlo Municipality, where Godini is located.
"Communities in this municipality live under enormous fear and threat," he said, adding that stock theft and murder are prevalent in the area. He highlighted their commitment to addressing the stock theft issue crippling the local economy and their plans to provide training for CPFs.
"Our intervention in the last week has capacitated this community to organise themselves, as all members of society must participate in the fight against crime. We call upon the police to provide more visibility in this municipality and to deal with the crime in a swift and decisive manner," he said.
The incident has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for action. Eastern Cape CPF secretary Ludumo Salman urged the police to intensify efforts to arrest individuals possessing illegal firearms.
"While we are trying to get as much information on the incident, we are calling on police to assist us in making sure people with illegal guns are arrested. There are so many guns in the wrong hands in our society," he said.
The Eastern Cape MEC for transport, safety and security, Xolile Nqatha, expressed his shock and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
"I wish to convey our message of condolences to the families of the deceased. I want to assure the people of this province that no criminality will break our resolve to defeat lawlessness," he stated.
Similarly, the Mhlontlo Municipality spokesperson, Mamela Mangcotywa, appealed for calm and expressed deep concern for the Godini community's safety.
The ANC spokesperson, Gift Ngqondi, called for a 72-hour activation plan to apprehend the perpetrators.
"We further call for the reinforcement of the Tactical Response Team and National Intervention Unit in Qumbu to hunt down these criminals who are the enemy of our democratic state and our communities," he urged.
This tragedy follows closely on the heels of another mass shooting in Lusikisiki, where 18 people were killed on 28 September. The Lusikisiki killings took place at two homesteads on the same street, with fifteen of the victims being women. A two-month-old boy miraculously survived, found crying atop his deceased mother's body. The Godini killings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the pervasive violence plaguing the Eastern Cape.
The timing of the Godini attack, so soon after the memorial service for the Lusikisiki victims, adds another layer of grief and concern. The sheer brutality of the attack, targeting individuals actively involved in community safety initiatives, underscores the desperate need for increased police presence and resources in the region. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the lead detective on 082 301 7762.
The under-resourcing and undertraining of CPFs, highlighted in a September meeting with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, further emphasises the systemic issues that need addressing to effectively combat crime in the region.
Minister Mchunu's commitment to strengthening community policing forums and promoting neighbourhood safety initiatives offers a glimmer of hope, but concrete action is urgently required to prevent further tragedies.
