GQEBERHA – Police in Gqeberha have launched a manhunt following a brutal mass shooting at a residence in KwaDwesi last night, which resulted in the deaths of four people and left two others seriously injured.

According to SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, police were dispatched to an address in Govern Mbeki (Ezinyoka) in KwaDwesi at approximately 20:45 on Saturday, 6 June.

“Upon arrival at the scene in Mti Street, first responders discovered three victims, two women and one man,” she said. “The victims were found inside the house with fatal gunshot wounds to their heads and faces and were declared deceased by paramedics.”

Gantana added that a fourth victim, a woman who was transported to a local hospital in critical condition, tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. “Two other female survivors remain hospitalised following the attack,” she said.

She also stated that the deceased were three women and one man, noting that their identities are known to the police but will be released once next-of-kin notification is completed.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that four unknown men, wearing balaclavas to conceal their identities, entered the property and demanded to see one of the deceased victims,” she said. “It is further alleged that the suspects demanded money from the group before ordering everyone present to open banking applications on their mobile phones.”

Gantana added that the suspects subsequently opened fire on the victims and fled with all of the victims’ mobile phones.

“Crime scene experts collected multiple cartridge casings and a bullet from the scene,” she said.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has appealed to the community for calm and assistance.

“We are dealing with ruthless individuals who showed no regard for human life. Our teams are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to book. We urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward,” said Ncata.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Lieutenant Colonel Monde Sithole on 082 457 2812, alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or report anonymously via the MySAPS App,” Gantana concluded.