Eight People Shot Dead As Gunmen Open Fire At Birthday Party In South Africa

Gunmen have killed eight people and injured four others during a mass shooting at a birthday party in South Africa.

It was gathered that two unidentified gunmen “randomly shot at guests” who were dancing and mingling on Sunday evening at a house party in the city of Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape province.

Local media reported that seven people – three women and four men – were killed almost immediately.

Four others were taken with gunshot wounds to hospital, where one died from their injuries.

The police said the gunmen fled after the attack and no arrests have been made.

Details of the victims have not been released, although police said they are investigating the circumstances and possible motives for the attack.

Police confirmed the owner of the house, who is the birthday celebrant, was among those gunned down in the mass shooting.

He had been celebrating his birthday with friends when two gunmen entered his yard between 5.15 and 5.30pm (local time) on Sunday and started shooting at the guests.

“These victims were killed by criminals, and we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for [this] callous and cold-blooded attack on these unsuspecting victims,” said the Eastern Cape SAPS commissioner, Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene.

Police Minister, Bheki Cele visited the scene of the shooting on Monday and asked for patience while the investigation continued.

“We know everybody is angry and would love that we respond quickly, but we request a little bit of space so that we do the work thoroughly,” he told reporters in Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth.

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