Gqeberha – Police in the Eastern Cape have launched a manhunt for the gunmen who shot at revellers at a birthday party in Kwazakele killing at least eight and wounding others.
On Sunday, (29 January 2023), between 17H00 and 17H30, two gunmen entered a home in Makanda Street, Kwazakele, and randomly shot at guests who were attending a birthday party.
Eight people died, while three others are still fighting for their lives in hospital.
The homeowner, whose birthday was being celebrated, is among the deceased.
Giving details of the deceased, the SA Police Service (SAPS) said: “Seven people (three females and four males) were fatally injured while another four people (two females and two males) sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment.
“One of the victims succumbed to the injuries in hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight.”
SAPS added: “Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack is underway.
“No arrests have been made at this stage.”
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene has strongly condemned the killings.
Condemning the killings as “cowardice and a blatant disregard for human life”, Lieutenant General Mene said “we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for these callous and cold-blooded attacks on these unsuspecting victims”.
She also appealed to the community to come forward with any information and not to harbour the criminals.
Apart from the homeowner, the identity of the deceased and injured were still to be established.
Anyone who can assist in identifying the victims or tracing their next of kin or any information relating to the suspects is asked to please contact the Provincial OCI, D/Capt. Sitole on 082 457 2812 or Crime Stop on 086 00 10111.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of SAPS General Fannie Masemola will on Monday lead a delegation of various experts within the organisation to the crime scene of a mass shooting in Gqeberha.
