17 killed as mass shooting rocks South African town

Seventeen people have been killed in a mass shooting in the remote town of Lusikisiki in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, with police launching a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.

The victims, consisting of 12 women and one man at one homestead, and three women and one man at another, were attacked late Friday night.

According to the South Africa Police Service, an 18th victim remains in critical condition at the hospital. Reports indicate that the victims were relatives and neighbors from Nyathi village, Ngobozana, and had gathered to prepare for a traditional mourning ceremony when the gunmen struck.

Local Ingquza Hil mayor, Nonkosi Pepping, described the tragic event, saying, “The gunmen came and shot randomly, killing everyone. Women and children were also killed in the bloody shooting.”

The mayor added that the incident has left the entire community terrified.

Police ministers and the commissioner are scheduled to address the nation at 13:00 local time (12:00 BST) on Saturday to provide further details.

#SouthAfrica #LusikisikiShooting #EasternCape #Manhunt