The families of eight people who were killed execution style over the weekend in KwaZakhele township, Gqeberha are still in the dark about what the motive behind their loved ones killing was. They says they keep wondering who would have wanted their family members dead so bad that he decided to executed them at a birthday party.

THE VICTIMS

Vusumzi Shishuba, his brother Andile Shishuba, their friends, Nomathamsanqa Mandla, Kholekile Frans, Mbuyiseli Mboya, Leyama Poro, Nandipha Koliti and one unidentified man lost their lives on Sunday night when two unknown gunmen invaded a party and shot everyone. Only three people survived the massacre, and they are currently fighting for their lives in hospital. It is alleged that Vusumzi Sushuba hosted his birthday and invited close friends over. Little did he know that what was supposed to be a celebratory day would turn into a nightmare. A close friend of the Sishuba brothers, Khulile Nzo told Zimoja that Vusi and Andile were inseparable. He said they were dedicated hard workers and made an honest living through their various business ventures." Vusi, who was the older brother, was shy and reserved but outspoken when around people he knew. He was very loyal and the advisor in our crew, we've lost a good one." Nzo said.

 FAMILIES SPEAK 

 The family of one of the deceased Nandipha Koliti expressed pain in losing a ?jolly and loving' person. Her uncle Nqaba Bhangaa said their family has been dealt a heavy blow more so her three children 18,14 and 10, who will never see their mother again. He said all the families are still wondering what the motive could have been, but no one is there to give them the answers. Bhangaa said: "The deceased were harmless socialites who liked having a good time. They were not harmless and that's why I'm wondering what could have led to this. Nandipha loves everyone and makes everyone laugh. She was a unifier in our family and had no grudges for anybody. She will leave a void in our hearts. Condolences to all the families because I know they are majorly affected by this. I know more than five of them personally and I am not taking this well. This attack is personal and  we hope that the police will act swiftly. 

COMMUNITY TERRIFIED 

KwaZakhele councillor community Gamelihle Maqula said everyone in the township is still in shock and trying to process the incident. He said the community is scared and wonders who could be next in line and why. "It's not a matter of the families who lost their loved ones but that of the community, even now as we speak after the incidents there have been more killings. The community is scared and grieving, and nobody wants to say anything. The victims were not involved in any criminal activities, they were making ends meet to support their families. We are confused and living in fear and murder is slowly becoming a norm here," he said.  He said they  appreciate the efforts by the police because they can see that they are actively involved, however community members are scared to share even little details of what they have seen or heard. " It's hard, we don't trust each other and don't trust the police as well although we can see they are trying their best to crack these cases. We need help, we are not safe at all."

NO ARRESTS YET

No one has been arrested for the murders yet. Speaking from the murder scene on Monday, Police Minister Bheki Cele said the investigation would be undertaken by teams pooled from the provincial and national levels. "Our core function is to find out who did it and put them to the process of law," he said. These victims were killed by criminals, and we will not rest until we find out what happened and who was responsible for these callous and cold-blooded attacks on these unsuspecting victims."