Another mass shooting in the Eastern Cape claims the lives of 5 family members
The five family members were shot and killed at Bityi Village, outside Mthatha on Friday night.
FILE: Police tape at a crime scene. Picture: Thomas Holder/Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN - Five members of the same family have been shot and killed at Bityi Village, outside Mthatha.
Police said the family was asleep when gunmen entered their home on Friday night, firing fatal shots at them.
The suspects started with the parents - a man and a woman who were sleeping in one rondavel.
They proceeded to fire shots at others who were sleeping in another house - resulting in the deaths of three more people, and two people being injured.
Police said two children managed to escape and informed neighbours who alerted police.
They are investigating five counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Meanwhile, provincial Police Commissioner Nomthetheleli Mene said all resources have been deployed to find the perpetrators.
"I have instructed a team of seasoned detectives to hit the ground running and to work tirelessly until the culprits responsible for this senseless killing are brought to justice."
The police have called on anyone who may have information to contact the police.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Siphokazi Mawisa:
"SAPS [South African Police Service] is calling upon those who may have leads to come forward and assist the police in apprehending those behind the murders. The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner denounces such vicious acts that claimed the lives of a family in Bityi and has instructed a team of seasoned detectives to hit the ground running."
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