Seventeen people from two families were gunned down on Friday night in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed the incident.
Mathe said police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspects behind the cold-blooded killings.
“In one house, 13 people were killed, including 12 women and one man. In another homestead, four people were also killed.
“The 18th victim is in a critical condition in hospital. In total, 15 women and two men were killed,” explained Mathe.
According to reports, the victims are all related. At the time of the murder, they were preparing for a traditional ritual called umembulo or ukukhululwa kwezila which was scheduled for Saturday at MaNtlaneni village.
The ceremony marks the end of mourning for a mother and daughter murdered a year ago.
Police minister Senzo Mchunu, together with his deputy, Cassel Mathale, and SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola will brief the media on the matter.
The minister will also update the media on nationwide SAPS efforts to combat crime, which will take place at Thanduxolo School Hall in KwaNobuhle, Gqeberha, at 1pm.
The minister says maximum resources have been mobilised to apprehend those who are behind this attack.
Pictured above: A crime scene at MaNtlaneni village in the the Eastern Cape, where 17 people were killed on Friday night.
