At Least 17 Killed in Mass Shootings in Rural South Africa

Lusikisiki, The Gulf Observer: At least 17 people, including 15 women, have been killed in two mass shootings in a rural town in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, police reported on Saturday. The incidents, which occurred on Friday night in Lusikisiki, have prompted a large-scale search for the perpetrators.

National police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the victims included 15 women and two men, while one person remains in critical condition in the hospital. The shootings took place at two separate houses in the same neighborhood, which consists of rural homesteads on the outskirts of Lusikisiki.

Police released video footage showing the aftermath of the attacks, revealing that 12 women and a man were killed in one house, while three women and a man were fatally shot in the other. Survivors of the horrific incident include four women, one man, and a 2-month-old baby.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killings, and the search for suspects continues. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in their investigation.

The mass shootings have shocked the local community and raised concerns over rising violence in certain rural areas of South Africa. Authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice as quickly as possible.