The latest mass shooting in Khumbu province, which left six people dead, follows an incident in which 18 people were killed in the province last month.
The government has condemned Sunday night's shooting in Khumbu, Eastern Cape province, less than two weeks after 18 people were massacred in Lusikisiki. Six area patrol officers were killed and four others were injured in the shooting incident.
The Lugongozo secondary school shooting has heightened concerns about escalating violence in the region and prompted calls for immediate action.
In a statement on Monday, the government asked the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and leave the situation to law enforcement to handle.
“We are committed to ensuring justice is served and will do everything in our power to prevent further violence.
“The Government also expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a full and speedy recovery to the injured. Psychosocial support services are being provided to the affected families during this difficult time. “
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majora Nkore said the shooting occurred at about 10:45 p.m. as the patrol was preparing for an evening patrol at the school.
“The suspects are at large and investigations are ongoing to determine their motive,” Nkole said, adding that four injured patrolmen were taken to hospital.
Nkole said the patrol was ambushed by eight men who opened fire with rifles and handguns. The motive for the shooting is unknown.
Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomseteleli Mene condemned the attack, saying resources were being mobilized to catch the killers.
“We are concerned that individuals who support police are being targeted, and we will ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” she said.
The attack follows violence in the province where 18 people were shot dead in Lusikisiki just nine days ago. A large number of firearms were also used in the massacre, prompting renewed calls for law enforcement to crack down on illegal weapons.
Fifteen of the victims of the Lusikisiki shooting were women. A 2-month-old infant was the only survivor and was found on top of her dead mother.
The close proximity of these incidents has concerned local officials and community leaders, with Eastern Cape Regional Police Forum Executive Director Ludumo Salman calling on police to tackle the proliferation of illegal firearms. We are calling on them to strengthen their efforts.
“There are too many guns in our society that are in the wrong hands. This issue requires immediate action from the authorities,” Salman said.
Siyanda Biera, spokesperson for the National Community Policing Commission, called on people to unite and support law enforcement.
“These criminals are still at large and we appeal to anyone with any information, no matter how small, to come forward and report it to your local police station,” Vieira said.
The Khumbu shooting incident coincided with a memorial service for the victims of the Lusikisiki massacre.
Mulontoro Mayor Mbulelo Hara said at the ceremony that stronger measures are needed to curb gun violence, adding that the widespread availability of illegal firearms is a major concern.
“This situation shows that we still have a long way to go in tackling crime. We cannot tolerate the continued loss of life in our communities,” Jara said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced on Sunday that three suspects involved in the shooting had been arrested, adding that more arrests would be made as investigations continued.
“We have deployed specialized national police, including an undercover unit, to investigate. This has led to the arrest of three people and more arrests are expected,” he said at the memorial service.
Koliswa Fihlani, the ANC chief of staff in the Eastern Cape provincial parliament, said at the memorial service that psychological support was needed for those affected.
“It is important that victims’ families receive the necessary trauma counseling to help them cope with these events.”
Deputy Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Mmapaseka Steve Letsike called on people to report crimes and cooperate with law enforcement.
“These incidents have resulted in significant losses, and we need a concerted effort from all sectors of society to address this issue and work towards safer communities,” she said.