SA has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with about 20 000 murders recorded every year out of a population of over 60 million.

Police said in a statement that the shootings occurred in two separate homes in the village of Lusikisiki and that in total, 15 women and two men had been killed.

"In one house 13 people were killed, which included 12 women and one man. In another homestead, four people were also killed," the South African Police Service said.

The motive for the attacks was not known but police said they had begun a manhunt for the shooters.

--Reuters--