Eastern Cape police have confirmed that the death toll in Friday’s mass shooting in a village near Lusikisiki has risen to 18.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said a person admitted to a hospital in critical condition after the shooting, died in hospital on Sunday from the gunshot wounds sustained in the attack.
She said the investigation is continuing.
On Saturday Police Minister Senzo Mchunu vowed that no stone would left unturned in the search for the assailants who struck on Friday evening, firing at people in two houses in a homestead near the town.
Police said the gunmen killed 13 people in one house, with the victims being 12 women and a man.
Four people were murdered in a second house.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha, earlier also condemned the shooting in the "strongest possible terms".
"We urged communities to report criminal acts to the Crime Stop at 08600 10111,” he said.
Nqata also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane said the provincial government also strongly condemned the senseless acts of violence in the strongest terms.
“The loss of life on this scale is a devastating blow to our province, and we mourn the passing of these innocent lives.
We stand in solidarity with the families and communities affected. The brutal and senseless killing of innocent people is a heinous act that has no place in our society,” Mabuyane added.
