18 Killed in Mass Shootings in South Africa

The death toll from recent mass shootings in Lusikisiki, South Africa, has risen to 18, with police still searching for the assailants who opened fire at a family gathering on Saturday. The motive for the shootings remains unclear, and authorities have yet to make any arrests, prompting widespread outrage over escalating violence in the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the attacks and pledged full government support for the investigation, noting that 38 people have been killed in similar incidents over the past two years. South Africa continues to grapple with high homicide rates, recording over 12,700 murders in the first half of this year alone. The latest incident follows a series of mass shootings, including a notable case in KwaZulu-Natal where ten family members were killed in April 2023. The ongoing violence highlights the urgent need for effective measures to address crime and safety in the nation.