In Gqeberha city, in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, a shooting during a birthday party resulted in eight fatalities and four injuries.
At a house party in Kwazakhele township, two unidentified gunmen “randomly shot at guests” who were dancing and socialising, according to police
A manhunt is under progress, but no arrests have been made.
Those killed and injured have not been identified but police said the owner of the attacked house was among them.
“These victims were killed by criminals, and we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for this callous and cold-blooded attack on these unsuspecting victims,” said Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene.
On Monday January 30, Police Minister Bheki Cele paid a visit to the shooting scene and pleaded for people’s patience while the investigation was ongoing.
“We know everybody is angry and would love that we respond quickly, but we request a little bit of space so that we do the work thoroughly,” he told reporters.
Despite having one of the highest rates of gun crime worldwide, random mass shootings are rare.
More than 20 people were killed in a series of shootings that occurred at different tavern last year around the nation. Investigations into those shootings are still ongoing.
