Local authorities in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region said that gunmen opened fire at a birthday celebration, leaving eight people dead and three more injured.
The shooting on Sunday is the most recent in a string of shootings that have brought attention to the nation’s issues with violent crime and the increasingly common usage of lethal firearms.
A spokeswoman for the South African police agency stated in a statement that the incident was carried out late on Sunday in Kwazakele, Gqeberha, by two guys.
Three ladies and four men out of the seven victims perished at the spot. Two ladies and two men, totalling four people, were shot and sent to the hospital.
“Eight people have died as a result of the injuries sustained by one of the victims, who passed away in the hospital. One among them who passed away was the home’s owner,” said Naidu.
Police have reportedly started a manhunt for the shooters, but no arrests have been made, according to Naidu. Police have started cases including murder and attempted murder, although the victims have not yet been named. Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, the commissioner of the Eastern Cape police, called the act “cowardice and a clear contempt for human life.”
Mene has asked a group of detectives to find and apprehend the offenders.
On Monday morning, a group of crime specialists was anticipated to visit the region under the direction of Police Minister Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.