Key Points
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Gunmen shot five people during a family mourning in Ngcobo.
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Police launched a manhunt for two unidentified suspects.
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Authorities urge residents to help track mass shooting suspects.
Police in the Eastern Cape are appealing to residents for assistance in tracking down two suspects involved in a mass shooting in the Mangweni area of Ngcobo.
The attack left three people dead and two others injured on Thursday evening.
According to provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, the shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. during a family gathering in Dalasile.
The victims were mourning the recent death of a relative when the attackers stormed the house and opened fire.
Three men—Cebisile Ngqwangele, 39, Zukile Ngqwangele, 50, and Zimisele Ngqutwana, 30—were killed on the scene.
Two other family members, aged 50 and 70, suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Eastern Cape mass shooting leaves community in shock
While the motive for the attack remains unclear, police believe it was a targeted incident.
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Ngcobo is investigating three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso confirmed that law enforcement has mobilised its full resources to find those responsible.
“We have assembled a team of seasoned detectives who are actively pursuing all leads,” she said.
Kupiso also urged community members to step forward with any information that could help law enforcement identify or locate the suspects.
Police call for public help in finding shooting suspects
As the manhunt intensifies, police are urging residents of Dalasile and surrounding areas to report suspicious behavior.
Authorities believe local cooperation will be vital to solving the case quickly and preventing further violence.
“Someone knows something,” said Kupiso. “We need the community’s help to bring the suspects to justice and restore a sense of safety.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Sandiso Madinga at 071 475 2105, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or visit the nearest police station.
