Eight people were killed and three injured in a birthday party shooting in South Africa’s Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), police reported.
The shooters entered the yard and began firing at guests randomly, killing the birthday celebrant among others. The three injured are in critical condition in a hospital.
The reason behind the attack remains unknown.
Provincial police chief Nomthetheleli Mene condemned the violent act as a “blatant disregard for human life.”
An investigation has been initiated and the search for the perpetrators is ongoing.
Unfortunately, shootings are frequent in South Africa, which has a high murder rate due to gang violence and alcohol.
Last year, several deadly shootings took place, resulting in nearly two dozen deaths at bars in Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg.
National police commissioner Fannie Masemola, Police Minister Bheki Cele, and crime experts are set to visit the scene of the attack today.
