South African authorities have made three arrests in connection with the massacre of 18 relatives in a remote Eastern Cape town.
The arrests were confirmed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during a memorial service for the victims in Lusikisiki, where the tragedy occurred.
Gunmen attacked two homes, claiming the lives of 15 women and three men, with several victims shot in the head.
The victims’ ages ranged from 14 to 64 years old.
Authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the killings, which occurred during a traditional family gathering.
This horrific incident has reignited calls for increased police protection in South Africa, which already grapples with one of the world’s highest murder rates.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the country recorded over 27,000 murders in 2022, translating to 45 murders per 100,000 people in a population of nearly 60 million.
Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Letsike emphasized the need for collective action from civil society, traditional leaders, and the government to “raise the bar” and combat these issues. The three suspects are set to appear in court to face charges related to the massacre. A fourth suspect is expected to be apprehended soon.
South Africa’s struggle with gender-based violence is well-documented, with 51% of women reporting experiences of GBV, and 76% of men admitting to perpetrating GBV at some point in their lives. The country’s National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide aims to strengthen coordinated efforts to address this crisis.
