Johannesburg – South African police have arrested three people in connection with the killing of 18 relatives – mostly women – gunned down at a rural homestead a week ago, the police minister said on Sunday.
A fourth suspect was being sought for the massacre in the early hours of September 28 in the Eastern Cape province, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced at a memorial near the site of the killing.
[BREAKING NEWS] Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has confirmed that three people have been arrested in connection with the Lusikisiki massacre.
Tune into #Newzroom405 for more details. pic.twitter.com/K7U2bVCIbu
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 6, 2024
Gunmen opened fire inside two homes in Lusikisiki, about 200 kilometres (125 miles) southwest of the coastal city of Durban, killing 17 people. An 18th person died later in hospital.
The victims were aged from 14 to 64 years old, according to South African media. Fifteen were women and several were shot in the head. The motive for the attack – executed as the family had gathered for a traditional ceremony – was not known.
The families of the 18 family members who were tragically killed in a mass murder in Lusikisiki last week, say they are hoping that the police will bring to book those who commited this malicious act. The families say this is a pain and a wound that will never heal. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/GxvspuxYwk
— Lerato Fekisi (@LThipa) October 6, 2024
The massacre has shocked South Africa, adding to calls for more police protection from crime in the country which has one of the highest murder rates per capita in the world.
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Source: AFP
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
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