A manhunt is underway after 17 people living on the same street in a South African village were killed in a mass shooting, police said Saturday. The victims were 15 women and two men, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, with one other person hospitalized in critical condition. The shooting took place Friday night in the town of Lusikisiki in Eastern Cape province in southeastern South Africa. According to police, the shooting occurred at two houses in the same neighborhood, a collection of rural homesteads on the outskirts of the town.
Twelve women and a man were killed in one house, while three women and a man were killed in the other house. Four women, one man, and a 2-month-old baby survived the attack. Local media reports suggest that the victims were attending a family gathering at the time of the shooting, but the motive for the killings remains unclear. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu told a media briefing on Saturday that a team of detectives and forensic experts had been deployed to investigate the crime.
"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," Mchunu said. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with violence. South Africa, a nation of 62 million, recorded 12,734 homicides in the first six months of this year, according to official police crime statistics. That’s an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the biggest cause of death in these cases.
South Africa's Struggle With Gun Violence
South Africa’s high murder rate is a complex issue, but the availability of firearms is a major contributing factor. While firearm laws in the country are somewhat strict, the prevalence of illegal, unregistered guns remains a significant problem. In recent years, mass shootings have become increasingly common in South Africa, often targeting people in their homes.
A Disturbing Trend
In April 2023, a mass shooting in the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province claimed the lives of 10 members of the same family, including seven women and a 13-year-old boy. The latest attack in Lusikisiki further underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat gun violence and protect communities from these tragedies.
A Call for Action
The South African government has pledged to tackle the issue of gun violence, but critics argue that more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem, including poverty, inequality, and a lack of opportunity. This latest tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence and the need for sustained efforts to address the issue.
A Community in Mourning
The community of Lusikisiki is reeling from the tragedy, with families mourning the loss of loved ones. The attack has cast a shadow of fear and grief over the village, where residents are grappling with the senseless violence that has taken so many lives. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with police working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
