Mass Shootings in Lusikisiki Leave 17 Dead

A tragic weekend in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa, saw two mass shootings resulting in the deaths of 17 individuals, primarily women, during a gathering meant for mourning. The shootings occurred at two nearby homesteads, with reports indicating that 12 women and one man were killed at one location, while three women and another man died at the second site. One additional victim remains in critical condition. The South African Police Service has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressing confidence in the investigative team. Eyewitnesses have described the chaos and horror of the night, as victims were preparing for a traditional mourning ceremony for relatives killed a year prior. This incident adds to the rising concerns over mass violence in South Africa, which has one of the highest homicide rates globally.