Eastern Cape police have launched a manhunt for three suspects who opened fire at people sitting inside a yard and others at a nearby house. Nine people were shot, leaving six dead and three injured.

EC police spokesperson Coline Priscilla Naidu said it is alleged that at about 19h40 on Tuesday evening, three unknown males entered the yard and opened fire at people who were in the property. "Two females were shot at the gate. One female succumbed to her injuries while the other sustained gunshot wounds. A further eight people were shot, leaving five men and one woman dead and three others injured," Naidu said. She added that the names and ages of the victims are still to be ascertained. The injured were taken to hospital and the motive for the massacre is unknown at this stage.

The provincial police commissioner Major-General Nomthetheleli Lillian Mene has condemned the senseless killing and has called on the community to assist police in tracing the perpetrators immediately. "Such acts are cowardice and a blatant disregard for human life as well as the law. These criminals must not be allowed to roam our streets any longer hence, we are appealing to the community of Kwanobuhle to work with the police to bring justice to the deceased and the injured persons," Mene said. Anyone who can assist in identifying the victims or tracing their next of kin or any information relating to the suspects is asked to contact the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation, D/Col Willie Mayi on 082 697 5914 or Crime Stop on 086 00 10111 or the nearest police station. Informers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with strictest confidence.

Earlier this year, eight people were shot dead at a birthday party when unknown gunmen stormed a house in KwaZakhele Township. Two weeks later, another four were shot dead while seven were also injured at a party. At the time, Naidu said the brutal murders were becoming a norm in the area and that whoever the perpetrators were, they were getting comfortable. "We will not allow the perpetrators to get away with murder," she said. The police are investigating six cases of murder and four of attempted murder.