Two mass shootings that took place in a rural town in South Africa claimed 17 lives. Police have launched a massive search for the suspects on Saturday.
National police spokesperson Brig. Athlenda Mathe in a statement said 15 women and two men were killed in the shootings. One person got critically injured.
The shootings took place on Friday night in the town of Lusikisiki in Eastern Cape province in southeastern South Africa.
Video of the shooting released by the police showed the incident took place at two houses in the same neighbourhood.
According to the police, 12 women and a man were killed in one house, while three women and a man were killed in the other house. A 13-year-old boy is among those killed in the mass shooting.
Police are yet to reveal the details of the suspects.
Reportedly, the victims were packing goods and presents, including furniture, for the event when the attack occurred on Friday night. The group had gathered at the houses to attend a traditional mourning ceremony for a mother and daughter, who were murdered a year ago.
"The gunmen came and shot randomly," a local was quoted by News outlet Dispatch Live.
South Africa's homicide rate is around 45 per 100,000 people, compared to around 6.3 per 100,000 in the United States. South Africa recorded more than 27,000 homicides in the 12 months from March 1, 2023, to February 28, 2024.