Three people were interrogated in South Africa for the murder of 18 relatives
South African police have investigated three people in connection with the massacre of 18 relatives that took place in a remote town last week following a manhunt, the police said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed that the suspects were kept in police custody during the memorial service for the 18 victims on Sunday, in the town of Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, where the incident took place.
He went on to say that the fourth suspect will be arrested soon.
Big waves broke out in South Africa when gunmen opened fire on two houses, killing 15 women and three men. Many were shot in the head.
The victims ranged in age from 14 to 64 years old, according to local newspaper Dispatch Live.
Mchunu said the police are still trying to “put together” the reason for the murder.
The attack happened when the family was gathered for a traditional ceremony.
The suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday.
This massacre has shocked South Africa, adding to the request to protect the police.
South Africa is one of the world’s leading killers, according to the latest figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
There were more than 27,000 homicides in 2022 – an estimated 45 out of 100,000 people, out of nearly 60 million people. By comparison, the US rate is six in 100,000.
It also led people to call for an end to gender-based violence. South Africa also has a high rate of femicide.
Deputy MEC in the Office of the President Mmapaseka Letsike attended the commemoration and said that civil society organizations, indigenous leaders and the government must “raise the bar” to help end gender-based violence.
Update 7 October: This article quoted the police minister as saying that three suspects have been arrested. However, the police later clarified that the three were taken for questioning but were not arrested, so we have updated our story to clarify this.
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