Mass shooting at birthday party in S.Africa claims 8 lives
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An investigation into the attack has been initiated, and police have stated that the suspects are still at large.
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South African Police Service (SAPS) officers enforce a perimeter around a crime scene in Soweto on July 10, 2022. (AFP)
Gunmen opened fire on a gathering of people celebrating a birthday in a South African township over the weekend, killing eight and injuring three others, police reported.
"The owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when two unknown gunmen entered the yard" on Sunday evening in the southern port city of Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, "and started shooting at the guests," police said in a statement.
The unknown gunmen "randomly shot at guests," police said, stressing "eight people died while three others are still fighting for their lives in hospital. The homeowner is among the deceased".
An investigation into the attack has been initiated, and police have stated that a manhunt for the perpetrators is ongoing.
It is worth noting that South Africa has one of the world's highest murder rates, which is mainly fueled by gang violence and alcohol.
Last year, nearly two dozen people were slain in a series of shootings at various bars in working-class areas of Johannesburg and the eastern city of Pietermaritzburg.
