Transkei family massacre

A grandmother, her pregnant daughter and two teenage girls were gunned down in a horror attack in a village outside Mthatha on New Year’s Eve.

The victims have been identified as Nomaphantsi Zenzile, 66, her daughter, Ntombikayise, and two granddaughters, Zintle, 18, and Sinesipho, 14.

Zenzile’s son, Msizeleni, was also shot by the lone gunman but the bullet only grazed his shoulder.

Mthatha police spokeswoman Captain Dineo Koena said about eight 9mm spent cartridges had been found at the scene. The shocking incident occurred in Mandlaneni village in kuNqwati near Bityi shortly before 10pm.

Meanwhile, less than 100km away, two young men were shot dead at a tavern in Mqanduli village the next day. Two other men were wounded.

Police spokesman Major Zamukulungisa Jozana said two armed men arrived at the drinking spot and shot the two men, killing them instantly.

“They then turned and shot two other men,” Jozana said.

“One was hit in the arm and the other in the stomach and they were taken to hospital.”