A mass shooting in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, has claimed 18 lives, police confirmed on Sunday, 29 September.

The attacks took place early in the morning of the prior day , targeting two homes on the same street in Ngobozana village. Fifteen women and two men were killed. Four women, a man, and a two-month-old baby survived the shooting, however one victim later died in hospital.

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that a team of detectives and forensic experts had been deployed to track down the suspects. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu emphasised that the gunmen should surrender or face arrest. While no motive has yet been establish, investigations are ongoing.

The shootings coincide with a nationwide crackdown on violent crime. Over the past month, SAPS has made 53 525 arrests under its high-density policing strategy, “Operation Shanela”, which includes apprehending over 10 000 suspects wanted for crimes such as murder, rape, and extortion.

A total of 430 illegal firearms have also been confiscated, many from the Eastern Cape.

Mchunu also addressed the growing issue of extortion plaguing communities across the country, highlighting recent arrests in Gauteng and Eastern Cape. He reiterated SAPS’s commitment to using proportional force where necessary to ensure public safety and bring offenders to justice.

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