Massacre in South Africa: 17 killed, 1 injured, 6 survive

In the early hours of September 28, 2024, it was reported that there was a mass shooting at Lusikisiki, a remote South African town, leaving 17 people killed, 1 injured and 6 killed.

This ugly incident has sent tremors throughout the community, sparking concerns about shooting and public safety.

Unfortunately, mass shootings have become a repeated occurrence in South Africa, often linked to gang violence, competition for resources, and conflicts between transportation unions.

The police reported that, two residences in the town of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape were targeted, with 1 man and 3 women killed in one location and 1 man and 12 women killed in the other location.

It was reported that these victims were gathered at these residences to prepare and attend a traditional funeral rite for a mother and daughter who were killed a year ago.

According to media reports, the victims who were relatives and neighbours in Nyathi Village, Ngobozana in Lusikisiki were packing goods and presents, including furniture, for the event when the attack happened.

South Africa police representative, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, speaking on Newzroom Afrika, said 6 people including one resident, a man, 4 women, and a two-month-old child who was not injured but taken to hospital to ensure her safety.

Brig Mathe assured the people that an investigative unit is already on ground, to investigate, and to collect all information with the aim of arresting those that are behind these merciless attacks.

Cabinet member for community safety, Xolile Nqatha, told state broadcaster SABC that he wished the seriously injured man a speedy recovery, as his recovery will assist to shed more light” on the attack.

He also indicated that the perpetrators might have been known to the victims.

According to the latest figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, South Africa has one of the highest killing rates in the world.

However, some of the notable records of previous mass shootings in South Africa include:

Gugulethu: Here, eight people were killed in a mass shooting in 2020, reportedly related to gang conflict related issues.

Mount Ayliff: This happened due to a dispute over a minibus taxi route which led to mass shooting on Christmas Day, resulting in multiple fatalities.

KwaZakhele: In January 2023, eight people were killed in a mass shooting at a birthday party.

Pietermaritzburg: Two men entered a tavern and opened fire, killing multiple people in 2022.

These incidents highlight the growing concern about mass shootings in South Africa.

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