Grieving family ambushed in deadly Dalasile mass shooting

Two armed men stormed a Mangweni location home in Dalasile, Ngcobo, on Thursday evening, shooting five grieving family members and killing three.

The Eastern Cape police are appealing for information from the Dalasile community and surrounding areas to help trace two suspects involved in the mass shooting that killed three family members and left two injured.

“The police have mobilised their full resources to trace and speedily locate at least two suspects who are believed to be involved in this heinous and terrible incident,” said acting provincial police commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso.

Three killed, two injured in Dalasile mass shooting

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said that about 7.30pm, the five family members were mourning the death of a relative when two armed men stormed their home and shot them.

“At this stage, the motive for the attack is yet to be established. Police are following all leads,” Nkohli said.

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The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit in Ngcobo is investigating three counts of murder and two of attempted murder.

The police are requesting that anyone who can assist with any information to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Sandiso Madinga, on 071 475 2105, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.

Police request info on case

“We have assembled a team of seasoned detectives who are already on the ground hunting for the suspects. Police are urging the community to assist us to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident,” Kupiso said.

This recent mass shooting in Eastern Cape comes almost eight months after the tragic Lusikisiki mass shooting where 18 family members were killed on 28 September 2024 in two neighbouring homes in Ngobozana village near Lusikisiki.

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Authorities alleged that Mzukisi Ndamase, a 46-year-old convicted murderer, orchestrated the crime while serving a life sentence at the eBongweni Super-Maximum Correctional Centre in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal.