MANCHESTER, Jamaica— The political directorate has condemned Friday morning’s shooting at the Mandeville market in Manchester that left two people dead and four others nursing gunshot wounds.

The Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has strongly denounced the incident.

“There is no justification for this disgraceful and savage act,” said McKenzie.

He noted that the preliminary reports are that shortly after 10:00 am two men accessed the market from the back entrance and started shooting.

READ: WATCH: Two dead, several injured in shooting at Mandeville Market

“And of course users of the facility had to flee for their lives. It is not yet known who the shooters are or their motivation for their evil deeds, but I want to give encouragement to the police who have already secured the area, and to urge them to do everything possible, as quickly as possible, to arrest the perpetrators and place them before the courts,” McKenzie added.

The minister has expressed condolences to the families of the persons who were killed, and wished a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

McKenzie disclosed that he has spoken with the Mayor of Mandeville, Donovan Mitchell.

“I want to let vendors, shoppers and commuters know that measures will be implemented to ensure their safety and peace of mind, so that they can come out over this weekend and beyond to conduct their business,” he said.

For his part, the Opposition spokesman on national security, Peter Bunting, also condemned the shooting.

According to Bunting, the tragic event highlights the ongoing threat of violent crime plaguing communities across the country.

“My deepest condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives, and I wish a swift recovery to those injured in this horrific incident. No Jamaican should have to live in fear of violence, whether they are at work, at home, or in public spaces,” Bunting said.

“We must urgently strengthen our efforts to bring an end to the bloodshed and restore safety to our towns and cities,” he added.

The opposition spokesman said the mid-morning shooting that took place “only a couple hundred yards from the Mandeville police station, demonstrates the level of impunity with which criminals can operate in the parish capital.”

He is urging the Ministry of National Security and the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force to increase the personnel and other resources assigned to the division before the parish loses its image as one of the most peaceful in the island.