The Free State police have initiated a manhunt for unidentified gunmen who shot and killed two individuals, including a 10-year-old boy, on a farm in Ficksburg on Sunday.
The armed suspects forcefully entered the house on Sunday night and began firing indiscriminately, injuring six others. Police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli stated that the suspects fled the scene shortly after the shooting.
Upon the arrival of the police and emergency personnel, the 10-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while the six injured individuals, aged between 12 and 50, were immediately transported to the hospital.
Tragically, investigators received information on Monday that a 19-year-old girl had also succumbed to her injuries.
The suspects fled on foot and subsequently entered an unidentified vehicle parked on the side of the R26 road near the farm. The police are currently investigating the incident as a case of murder, along with six counts of attempted murder. At this stage, the motive behind the shooting remains unknown, leaving the community in shock and searching for answers.
