Rustenburg Shooting: North West Premier Condemns Attack That Killed 9

Kaobitsa Bushy Maape, the premier of North West, on Monday condemned the shooting at Popo Molefe informal settlement near Rustenburg city, which killed nine people and injured eight

The incident took place on Saturday night when a group of "Sesotho-speaking suspects" opened fire on group of "mainly Xhosa-speaking" people in a house yard, Algoa FM reported.

"We are extremely shocked and outraged at the mass killing of nine people at Popo Molefe informal settlement. We condemn the shooting of these people and send our condolences to the families, relatives and friends of victims of this hideous crime," Maape said, as per an official government statement.

While eight died on the spot, the ninth one was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. The incident injured eight more people.

Maape also wished speedy recovery to those who got injured during the attack. The premier applauded the South African Police Service (SAPS) for moving quickly and assembling a team of experienced and skilled officials to investigate the attack.

"I have all the confidence that the SAPS, under the stewardship of General Sello Kwena, will do everything in their power to follow all leads in investigating this matter. The perpetrators of these repugnant acts must be brought to book," he added.

General Sello Kwena, who strongly condemned the "pointless incident," noted that justice would be served.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, a provincial police spokesperson, said that "the Provincial Commissioner strongly condemned this horrific and pointless incident and indicated that the police will work around the clock to ensure that justice is served," SA News reported.

Mokgwabone also urged the community to remain calm and allow the police to continue their investigations.

"The motive is yet to be determined and no one has been arrested at this stage. Investigations into the matter continue," Mokgwabone added.

The country has been witnessing several incidents of mass shooting recently. In July, the South African police launched a manhunt after three gunmen entered the yard of a home and opened fire in the township of KwaNobuhle in the Eastern Cape province, killing six and injuring four people.

Earlier this year, eight people were reported dead after two gunmen opened fire in the south coast city of Gqeberha. These eight people, including a child, were celebrating a birthday party.