17 Killed in Dual Mass Shootings in South Africa

Seventeen individuals, including 15 women, were fatally shot in two mass shootings in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa, on Friday night. Police footage confirms the shootings occurred in two separate homes within the same rural neighborhood. Victims included twelve women and one man in one house, and three women and one man in another. Another individual remains in critical condition.

The suspects are still at large as law enforcement undertakes a comprehensive manhunt. Police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe stated, "A manhunt has been launched to apprehend those behind these heinous killings." Reports indicate that the victims were attending a family gathering, though the motive remains unclear. Survivors include four women, one man, and a two-month-old baby.

Authorities are mobilizing resources, with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu affirming, "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." South Africa, grappling with a high homicide rate of over 70 deaths per day, faces significant challenges from widespread illegal firearms. This recent attack underscores the growing frequency of mass shootings in the nation, despite stringent firearm regulations. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)