Eastern Cape police are hunting for the gunmen who mowed down 18 people in a murderous rampage in a village in Lusikisiki, killing 17 of their victims.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said on Saturday that the gunmen killed 13 people in one house.
She said the victims there included 12 women and a man.
“In another homestead, four people were killed,” she said.
Mathe said the 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital
Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, is on a visit to the Nelson Mandela Bay, and will brief the media later on Saturday.
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha condemned the shooting in the "strongest possible terms".
“As the provincial government, we condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms, and we call on community members to assist police in arresting the perpetrators of this cowardly act.
"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 and wished the eighteenth victim who is in critical condition at the hospital a speedy recovery.
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.
