By : Lloyd Mahachi

A devastating massacre in South Africa has left 18 relatives dead, sparking widespread outrage, shock, and calls for increased police protection. The victims, 15 women and three men aged 14 to 64, were brutally gunned down in two homes during a traditional ceremony in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape. The attack has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving many searching for answers.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the arrest of three suspects during a memorial service for the victims. A fourth suspect is expected to be apprehended soon. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, with authorities still investigating and working to “piece together” the events surrounding the massacre.

The massacre has reignited concerns about South Africa’s alarmingly high murder rate. According to the latest figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the country recorded over 27,000 murders in 2022. This staggering rate is nearly eight times higher than the US rate of six per 100,000. South Africa’s population is approximately 60 million.

Furthermore, this incident has brought attention to South Africa’s alarming femicide rate. Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Letsike attended the memorial service and emphasized the need for collective action to end gender-based violence. “We need to raise the bar” in combating this scourge, Letsike urged, calling on civil society, traditional leaders, and the government to collaborate.

The incident has also sparked renewed debates about gun control, law enforcement effectiveness, and social factors contributing to violence. As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits answers and justice for the victims and their loved ones.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi