North West police have urged residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands after nine people were shot and killed outside their home on Reconciliation Day. It's alleged that the victims were drinking when they were ambushed by gunmen at the Popo Molefe informal settlement in Boiketong.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said police responded to a horrific shooting incident on Saturday night just after 9 pm. He said over 15 Xhosa-speaking people were ambushed by unknown gunmen who were speaking Sesotho on Reconciliation Day. "Eight people were shot and died on the spot and the ninth victim succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Meanwhile, eight more people were reported to be injured. The motive of the incident is yet to be determined and no one has been arrested at this stage," said Mokgwabone. Five men and four women died on the scene.

Mokgwabone said they've launched a manhunt and were searching for the unknown gunmen. " Investigations into the matter continue. The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, strongly condemns this horrific and pointless incident and indicated that the police will work around the clock to ensure that justice is served." He said a task team has been established to investigate the mass shooting.