During the early hours on Monday, the five family members, aged between 9 and 78 years, were gunned down in their home in Luphando Thahla administrative area near lusikisiki.
Eastern Cape SAPS launched a manhunt to catch and arrest the gunmen.
The police were called and alerted to the crime scene by community members who heard the gunshots.
On arrival, the police found the bodies of the 5 relatives. They were all declared dead on scene.
Two minors, aged 1 and 8 managed to escape unscathed, said police spokesperson Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana.
Kinana added that the victims were from one family but their identities were still withheld until formal identification processes were concluded.
The motive for the mass shooting is still unclear at the moment.
The police have since registered 5 cases of murder.
According to Kinana, acting provincial commissioner, Major General Zithulele Dladla had ordered an immediate mobilisation of all resources to ensure the speedy arrest of those responsible for the mass shooting.
Any responsible citizen with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to please make contact with their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
