Western Cape Reeling after Weekend of Gang Violence Leaves Seven Dead and Five Injured

Bloodshed in the Cape: Western Cape Rocked by Deadly Weekend of Gun Violence

The Western Cape is mourning after a brutal few days of gang-related gun violence left seven people dead and at least five others injured across Mitchells Plain, Nyanga and Philippi East. The spate of shootings, all believed to be gang-linked, has left communities shaken and once again spotlighted the urgent need for better policing and tighter gun control.

Triple murder in broad daylight

The most recent killing unfolded in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, on Tuesday morning. Around 11:10am, gunfire erupted at the intersection of Merrydale Avenue and Highlands Drive. Three people, travelling in an e-hailing Honda sedan, were ambushed by suspects in two other vehicles who opened fire without warning.

All three occupants — the driver, a 38-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman — died at the scene.

Police say early indications point to gang violence as the motive. Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are leading the investigation and following up on leads.

A baby caught in the crossfire in Nyanga

Just the night before, bullets tore through the Siyahlala informal settlement in Nyanga. Five people were shot, including a 10-month-old baby. A 47-year-old man died on the scene, and four others were rushed to hospital.

Community members say the shooting may have been connected to a robbery at a local shebeen. Among the wounded was reportedly the shebeen’s owner, who was shot in the head and did not survive.

“This was a targeted attack,” said Dumisani Qwebe of the Nyanga Community Police Forum. “We are deeply disturbed by the use of such violence where innocent people and even babies are being harmed.”

More bloodshed in Philippi East

On Sunday night, three more men were killed and another injured when gunmen stormed a home in Philippi East’s Better Life area just before midnight. The victims had been gathered inside, reportedly drinking, when unknown assailants burst in and opened fire.

The attackers vanished into the night, and no arrests have been made.

“This cannot be the new normal”

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has condemned the violence, describing the proliferation of illegal firearms as a “major contributor” to the bloodshed.

“Despite progress in confiscating weapons, we need to do more,” said Marais. “We must identify and arrest those who supply guns and ammunition to gangs before more lives are lost.”

Her sentiments were echoed by DA spokesperson on Police Oversight, Thomas Walters, who criticised the chronic under-resourcing of Western Cape police stations.

“It’s time for a clear plan from SAPS,” said Walters. “Communities are living in fear while our police stations remain stretched beyond capacity. We’ll be demanding a full action plan from the SAPS and holding them accountable for its delivery.”

Community fears and calls for unity

In neighbourhoods like Nyanga and Mitchells Plain, residents are no strangers to gunshots, but the frequency and brutality of these recent attacks have sparked renewed fear.

“This isn’t just crime, it’s a war zone,” one resident told a local radio station. “We live with the sound of sirens and gunfire more than we hear laughter. How can our children grow up in this?”

The public has been urged to assist in investigations. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app to submit tips anonymously.

Source: IOL

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