Four killed in separate Gqeberha shootings within hours as police launch manhunt

Gqeberha woke up to another grim reminder of the city’s ongoing battle with violent crime after four people were shot dead in separate incidents across two neighbourhoods in less than five hours.

The killings, which unfolded late on Sunday night and into the early hours of Monday morning, have sparked a full-scale police manhunt and renewed public anxiety about safety in township areas.

First shooting reported in Walmer

The violence began shortly before midnight in Walmer. A 39-year-old man was discovered lying in Mankazana Street with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body.

Police confirmed that a murder case has been opened and that detectives are working to piece together what led to the fatal shooting. At this stage, no arrests have been made and the motive remains unclear.

Three more victims found hours later

Just a few hours later, at around 2am, police were called to a second scene in Airport Valley. There, officers discovered the bodies of three people lying in Ndlovu Street.

The victims included a 37-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman, and a 17-year-old girl. All three had sustained gunshot wounds to their upper bodies, according to police.

A separate murder case with three counts has been registered and the investigation has been handed over to the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit.

Police hunt suspects as questions mount

Eastern Cape police have confirmed that a manhunt is under way for the suspects linked to the shootings. Authorities have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected, saying only that all possible leads are being followed.

Residents across Gqeberha have taken to social media to express shock and frustration, with many questioning how such deadly violence could unfold so rapidly without immediate arrests. Some community members have called for increased patrols and stronger visible policing, particularly in high-risk areas.

A city grappling with violent crime

The shootings come amid growing concern about gun violence in parts of the Eastern Cape, where communities have repeatedly raised alarms about illegal firearms, slow investigations, and the impact of crime on everyday life.

Local activists say incidents like this deepen fear among residents, especially when victims include women and teenagers, and often leave families searching for answers long after the crime scenes have been cleared.

Police appeal for information

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Wright can be contacted directly on 082 921 2312. Tip-offs can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

As investigations continue, many in Gqeberha are hoping for swift arrests and accountability, while once again confronting the harsh reality of violence that has become all too familiar in the city’s streets.

{Source:IOL}

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