International Desk: Eight people have been killed while two gunmen opened fire on a group of people celebrating a birthday at a township in South Africa.

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Police said in a statement that the owner of the house was celebrating his birthday when two unknown gunmen entered the yard" on Sunday evening in the southern port city of Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.

Police said the unknown gunmen "randomly shot at guests. eight people died while three others are still fighting for their lives in hospital. The home owner is among the deceased.

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An investigation has been begun after the attack and police said a manhunt for the perpetrators was underway.

Shootings are common in South Africa, which has one of the world's highest murder rates, fuelled by gang violence and alcohol.

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South Africa last year saw string of shootings that killed nearly two dozen at separate bars in working class suburbs in Johannesburg and in the eastern city of Pietermaritzburg.

Sun News/MR

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