Tragedy struck in an Eastern Cape village as 17 people were killed in a devastating mass shooting, with three others critically injured. The victims, believed to be relatives and neighbors, were gunned down in Nyathi village in Ngobozana, Lusikisiki, during a traditional ritual preparation. The group had gathered to pack goods and presents for an upcoming event when the shooting occurred.
The incident left the community in shock, with 15 women and 2 men losing their lives. Lusikisiki gender-based violence activist Khwalo Matandabuzo expressed disbelief at the scale of the tragedy, highlighting the impact on the families involved. Mayor Nonkosi Pepping described the incident as gruesome and detrimental to the community’s efforts to reduce crime rates.
Authorities, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, are actively pursuing the perpetrators. A press briefing was scheduled to address the mass shooting, with a manhunt underway to bring the culprits to justice.
Our thoughts go out to the bereaved families, and we hope for a speedy recovery for the injured survivors in this heartbreaking time.