Eight killed at birthday party in South Africa

Gunmen opened fire on a group of people celebrating a birthday in a township in South Africa on Sunday, killing eight and injuring three, police said Monday.

“The owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when two unknown persons, armed, entered the property on Sunday evening in the port city of Gqeberha (south), formerly known as Port Elizabeth and began shooting at the guests,” police described in a statement.

The gunmen randomly fired at the guests, police said, adding that eight people died while three others are still fighting for their lives in hospital.

“The owner of the house is among the deceased,” added the same source.

The police have opened an investigation into this case and a manhunt is underway to find the perpetrators of the attack.

Shootings occur on a regular basis in South Africa, a country with one of the highest homicide rates in the world, fueled by gang violence and alcohol.