Two mass shootings occurred on the same street in the town of Lusikisiki in Eastern Cape province, South Africa, resulting in the tragic deaths of 17 people, including 15 women. The incidents took place late Friday night or in the early hours of Saturday, with victims found in two separate homes on a rural dirt road.
The first shooting claimed the lives of three women and a man, with no survivors at the scene. Shortly after, a second shooting at a different home resulted in the deaths of 12 women and a man. Four women, a man, and a 2-month-old baby survived the second shooting, with one person in critical condition at the hospital.
Authorities are conducting a search for the suspects involved in the shootings, with a specialist team of detectives deployed to assist in the investigation. The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, and details about the perpetrators, including the number of shooters and the type of firearms used, have not been disclosed.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed outrage at the 'intolerably huge number' of lives lost and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. South Africa, known for its high homicide rates, recorded over 12,000 homicides in the first half of this year, predominantly caused by firearms.
Mass shootings have become a concerning trend in the country, with previous incidents targeting families and public spaces. The government has acknowledged the issue of illegal firearms circulating in the country and has implemented firearm amnesties to encourage the surrender of such weapons without prosecution.
The community of Lusikisiki and the nation at large mourn the tragic loss of life in these senseless acts of violence, as authorities work diligently to apprehend those responsible and prevent further tragedies.
