EC police launch manhunt after 17 people killed in Lusikisiki

JOHANNESBURG - At least 17 people have been shot and killed in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. 
 
It's understood the attacks took place on Friday night in two separate homes at Ngobozana village. 
 
In the first house 13 people - of which 12 are women were killed, while in another attack, four people were also killed. 
 
The motive for the mass killings is not yet clear, but police have since launched a manhunt for suspects.
 
National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe:

“The 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital. In total, 15 women and two men were killed. The Minister of Police has condemned these heinous killings and has instructed the provincial commissioner to make sure maximum resources are deployed to find those behind these attacks.”

The ANC in the province has also called for an urgent arrest of the suspects behind the brutal killing.

Spokesperson, Gift Ngqondi:

"We have made a strong appeal to the MEC of Safety in the Province, to the national commissioner and provincial commissioner... that some of the NIU [National Intervention Unit] members that are based in Mthatha, some of them must be dispatched to that area... so that they can make patrols because that community still does not feel any safer."

Eastern Cape Community Safety MEC, Xolile Nqatha conveyed his condolences to the deceased.

Community Safety spokesperson, Makhaya Komisa:
 
"MEC Nqatha has also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and has wished the 18th victim who is in a critical condition at hospital a speedy recovery."

Mathe said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu would provide further details in a media briefing set to be held later on Saturday.