A birthday party took a deadly turn at a residence in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

Eight people were killed and three others wounded when two gunmen entered a yard in KwaZakhele and shot at guests attending the party. Among the deceased are three women and the homeowner.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu says cases of murder and attempted murder are being investigated.

The Eastern Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has described the attack as cowardice and a blatant disregard for human life.

She has ordered a team of investigators to track and trace the perpetrators of Sunday evening’s mass shooting.