Most of the victims were women killed in one house, according to the police, who have started a manhunt for the gunmen.

Police search for suspects after 17 killed in two mass shootings in rural South African town.

South African police have launched a manhunt after 17 people were shot dead in a town in the east of the country.

Fifteen women and two men were killed in a targeted attack on a village in Lusikisiki police say.

Residents of Nyathi Village in Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape heard multiple gunshots at about 2am on Saturday but couldn't figure out which homes they were emanating from. The gunshots they heard were 17 people being gunned down in a nearby homestead. The victims were believed to be relatives and neighbours.

17 people, including 15 women, were killed in two mass shootings in Lusikisiki, South Africa. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Three injured survivors are fighting for their lives in hospital

Police in South Africa say 17 people have been killed in two mass shootings that took place in close proximity to each other in a rural town.