South African police say they have arrested three people in connection with the massacre of 18 relatives following an investigation in a remote South African town last week.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the arrests at a memorial service for the 18 victims on Sunday in the Eastern Cape town of Lusikisiki, where the murders occurred.
He added that the arrest of the fourth suspect would be announced soon.
Shockwaves were sent across South Africa when gunmen opened fire on two houses, killing 15 women and three men. Several people were shot in the head.
According to local newspaper Dispatch Live, the victims ranged in age from 14 to 64.
Mchunu said police were still trying to “piece together” a motive for the killing.
The attack occurred as the family gathered for a traditional ceremony.
The three suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Monday to face charges.
The massacre shocked South Africa and prompted calls for more police protection.
South Africa has one of the highest murder rates in the world, according to the latest statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
In 2022, there were more than 27,000 murders. This equates to 45 per 100,000 people out of a population of approximately 60 million. By comparison, the rate in the United States is 6 per 100,000 people.
It also led to people calling for an end to gender-based violence. South Africa also has a high rate of female homicide.
Deputy Presidential Minister Mmapaseka Letsike attended the memorial service and said civil society, traditional leaders and government needed to “raise the bar” to end gender-based violence.
