This week, six people were fatally shot in separate incidents that community leaders believe to be gang-related.
The most recent incident occurred on Wednesday night in Manenberg, when four men were shot and killed. Two others were injured and are currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Also read: Local businessman shot and killed on Jan Smuts Drive in Cape Town
According to News24, Western Cape police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said that the killings occurred ‘not long after each other.’
Unknown assailants in two vehicles opened fire on a group of three men standing on the corner of Jordan and Silver Stream Roads around 7pm, according to Traut. One person was killed, and two others were seriously injured.
Ten minutes later, four men in an unknown white vehicle fired several shots at three men on the corner of Klipfontein and Jupiter Roads in Surrey Estate, according to police. All three reportedly died on the scene.
According to police, the deceased were aged 19, 20 and 28.
‘In both incidents, the suspects fled and are yet to be apprehended. While detectives are searching for clues to establish the motive and apprehend those responsible for the murders, an appeal is made to the public to come forward with information that can assist our investigation,’ said Traut.
Vernon Visagie, the chairperson of Manenberg’s community policing forum (CPF), said the shootings bore all the hallmarks of gang attacks.
According to Visagie, the CPF has warned residents that flare-ups are likely after shootings in the area spiralled out of control in recent weeks. He stated that there has been ongoing shooting in the area and that residents have been repeatedly advised to remain inside their homes for their own safety.
Meanwhile, two men, an 18-year-old and a 24-year-old, were shot dead while sitting at a house in Oakland Close in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, on Wednesday morning.
During the attack, two other people were injured, including a two-year-old boy.
The victims were sitting in the garden when they were approached by gunmen who opened fire, according to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg.
Medical professionals pronounced the 18-year-old and 24-year-old victims dead at the scene while transporting the other victims to hospitals for treatment, according to Twigg.
Police are urging anyone with information to call 08600 10111 or use the mobile app ‘My SAPS’.
Looking for things to do in the city at half the price? Let these great offers inspire you and fuel your imagination! Get them here.
Also read:
Watch: Criminal enters car in Plumstead using keyless access tactic
Picture: Maxim Hopman / Unsplash