Mchunu to brief media on Eastern Cape mass shooting

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is expected to address the media in KwaNobuhle outside Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape today on the mass shooting in Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki.

Police says a manhunt is under way for suspects in the incident in which 17 people were killed.

Three others were critically wounded and are fighting for their lives in hospital.

The suspects opened fire on a group of people in the village last night.

The victims are reported to be relatives and neighbours.

National Police Spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe says an investigation is also under way.

Mathe says, “A man-hunt has been launched to apprehend those behind the killings. In one house, 13 people were killed which include 12 women and one man. In the other homestead four people were killed. The 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital. In total, 15 women and two men where killed. The minister of police has condemned these killings and has instructed the provincial police ensure that maximum resources are deployed to find those behind these attacks.”

Activist Khwalo Mathandabuzo, who is at the crime scene says, “This has happened around 1:00 am, now the police are on the scene collecting information. Police have cordoned off the place, there are two households that are involved here. Family members and relatives are crying outside and of course they are still waiting to hear from the police inside.”- Additional reporting by Nkululeko Nyembezi.

VIDEO |17 people gunned down at Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape: