Police reported that when armed men opened fire on a birthday party in a South African community, eight persons were murdered and three more were injured.
According to the police statement made public on Monday, on Sunday night in the southern city of Gqeberha, formerly known as Port Elizabeth, "the owner of the property was celebrating his birthday when two unknown gunmen entered the garden" and "began firing at the visitors."
The event happened between 5:15 and 5:30 local time at a home in Kwazakele (15:15 and 15:30 GMT). According to the officials, there were two shooters who carried out the shooting.
Authorities said that the attackers "randomly shot at guests," which led to eight fatalities and three more being critically injured. The owner of the house is among the victims.
The attack is under investigation, and the police have stated that they are looking for the perpetrators.
Alcohol consumption contributes to the high incidence of gun violence in South Africa, which has one of the worst murder rates in the world.
Last year, several shootings at South African bars in working-class neighbourhoods of the eastern city of Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg claimed the lives of close to two dozen people.