Bloody weekend: 13 killed across Western Cape in multiple shootings

At least 13 people were killed in separate shootings across the Western Cape over the weekend, South African Police Service (Saps) officials said.

Two deadly incidents in Makhaza and Endlovini

Saps in the Western Cape reported two linked incidents in which six men were killed. Colonel Andrè Traut, a Saps spokesperson, said the first incident occurred on Sunday evening at about 7:30pm in Khonkxa Street, Makhaza, where three men aged between 20 and 24 were found with gunshot wounds inside an informal dwelling after family members reportedly heard gunshots.

In a second incident, Traut said, three adult males in their thirties were shot at a shebeen in Endlovini, Harare, at about 01:38 on Monday. The victims later succumbed to their injuries at a medical facility.

Traut said:

“The suspects in both incidents fled the scenes and are yet to be arrested, while the motives remain under investigation.”

Investigations and police response

Traut added that Saps management has assured the affected communities that every available resource will be utilised to trace and apprehend those responsible. He said a team of experienced detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has been tasked to pursue leads and bring the perpetrators before court. Police deployments and operations have also been increased in the affected areas to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence.

Earlier weekend shootings left seven dead

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said separate shooting incidents on Friday and Saturday left seven people dead. Potelwa said the provincial serious violent crime detectives have launched a manhunt for suspects believed to be behind the incidents in Khayamandi and another incident on Saturday morning.

According to Potelwa, one incident in Mgabadeli involved a 46-year-old man who was shot and killed after returning from work, reportedly by three gunmen who fled the scene. In Thubelisha, two men aged 27 and 32 were also shot at about 21:00.

Police also discovered multiple bodies in informal settlements: a 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman were found with gunshot wounds in a shack in Fire Street at 9:10pm; a 33-year-old man was found in Luyolo Street; and a 37-year-old man was found in 7th Avenue in the early hours of Saturday, all with gunshot wounds.

On motives and arrests, Potelwa said:

“The motive for the shooting incidents is the subject of a police investigation currently underway.”

She added that no arrests have been made.

What police say next

Saps officials emphasised ongoing investigations and increased policing in the affected areas as detectives pursue leads. No suspects have been arrested in the incidents reported over the weekend.