Police have confirmed that 17 people have been killed in a mass shooting incident in Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape.
Thirteen victims – 12 women and one man – were found in one house, and four others in another homestead.
The 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital.
In total, 15 women and two men lost their lives in the shooting.
They were preparing for a traditional ritual, umembulo or ukukhululwa kwezila, scheduled for Saturday at MaNtlaneni village, also in Lusikisiki, to mark the end of mourning of a mother and daughter murdered a year ago.
The group had gathered to pack goods and presents for the event when the shooting occurred.
Lusikisiki gender-based violence activist Khwalo Matandabuzo confirmed the incident.
WATCH | Seventeen people were killed in a mass shooting in Lusikisiki on Friday night. Video: LULAMILE FENI pic.twitter.com/vrX5iB6hKd
— Daily Dispatch (@Dispatch_DD) September 28, 2024