South African police have arrested three individuals in connection with the massacre of 18 relatives, predominantly women, at a rural homestead last week. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced the arrests during a memorial held near the site of the tragedy on Sunday. A fourth suspect is still being sought in relation to the killings that occurred in the early hours of September 28 in Lusikisiki, located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) southwest of Durban.
The gunmen opened fire inside two homes, resulting in the deaths of 17 people, with an 18th victim succumbing to injuries later in the hospital. Reports indicate that the victims, aged between 14 and 64 years, included 15 women, many of whom were shot in the head. The motive behind the attack, which took place as the family gathered for a traditional ceremony, remains unclear.
This shocking incident has heightened concerns over public safety in South Africa, a country grappling with one of the highest murder rates per capita globally, and has sparked renewed calls for increased police protection against crime.
