By Anita Dangazele
Eastern Cape police have released the names of the 18 people killed in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, on Friday.
“As soon as SAPS has any new developments, it will be communicated,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stated that the victims were family members and neighbours.
They were preparing for “ukukhululwa kwezila,” a ritual to end mourning for a mother and daughter who were killed last year.
The families had gathered in one homestead, planning to go to another village for the ceremony the next morning.
Police reported that gunmen killed 12 women and one man in the first house, while four more people were killed in a second house. An 18th victim passed away in hospital on Sunday.
Most victims were from the Sinqina family in Nyathi village, Ngobozana, Lusikisiki.
The victims are: Thobile Sinqina, 37; Nonkanyiso Dukuza, 19; Ruth King, 21; Mandisa Dlokweni, 59; Samantha Sinqina, 26; Lungiswa Gawulekana, 51; Thandeka Mhlaluvele, 46; Mary Sinqina, 63; Nombuliso Dukuza, 32; Mathembisile Mayekiso-Sinqina, 64; Nobelungu France, 59; Themi Vimba, 41; Nomazwi Ndleleni, 59; Smomoza Sinqina, 14; Nancy Sinqina, 59; Dimpho Sinqina, 30; Thali King Sinqina, 26; and Sigobodo Gxobela, 59.
Two victims remain in hospital.
“The motive for the shooting is still unclear and forms part of the investigation,” Mawisa added.
President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the families of the 18 victims.
“I feel deeply for all the families and members of the broader community affected by this attack, and on behalf of all of us as South Africans, I offer you our deepest sympathies,” he said.
Pictured above: The homestead where 13 people were shot and killed by unknown gunmen.
Source: Facebook
