By Johnathan Paoli
Police are still searching for those responsible for the mass shootings in the Eastern Cape, which claimed its eighteenth victim on Sunday.
The latest victim, who had been in critical condition in hospital following the attack, succumbed to their injuries on Sunday afternoon.
“The SAPS can confirm that the eighteenth victim passed away at the hospital today. There are no other new developments. However, [a] police investigation is underway,” Eastern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said in a statement.
The police and the government have appealed to community members to come forward with any information that can assist with investigations.
The country is in shock following two shooting incidents at two homesteads on the same road in Ngobozana village near Lusikisiki early on Saturday.
The chair of Parliament’s Police Portfolio, Ian Cameron, said on Sunday that the shootings were typical behaviour of extortionist mafias.
“It’s tragic that women and children have been affected in this case, but I do not believe that the incident was committed specifically targeting women and children. This was a specific retaliation for some other reason,” Cameron said in a statement.
Although the SAPS was still establishing the motive behind the shootings, he said the “terrible tragedy is symptomatic of the rising tide of intimidation, extortion and violence against women and children in South Africa”.
“This ongoing rise in serious violence stresses the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of these crimes and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable citizens,” Cameron said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has pledged that “no stone will be left unturned” in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
Eastern Cape transport and community safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has condemned the attacks in the strongest possible terms.
He urged community members to report any criminal activity to Crime Stop on the national helpline 08600-10111.
Nqatha expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.
In a statement, Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane echoed these sentiments, calling the loss of life a “devastating blow” to the province.
“We mourn the passing of these innocent lives. The brutal and senseless killing of innocent people is a heinous act that has no place in our society,” he said.
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