Another mass Gugs shooting leaves three dead, two injured

THE Gugulethu Community Police Forum (CPF) remained deeply concerned by the rise in gun-related violence in the area following another mass shooting that left three men dead and two others wounded. 

Western Cape police said they were investigating the shooting that occurred in Moletsane Street, New Crossroads on Wednesday night.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit has opened cases of triple murder and attempted double murder.

Officers responded to reports of a shooting at about 11pm.

“Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of three men with gunshot wounds in a bedroom. Two other male victims had also sustained gunshot wounds and were already transported to a medical facility for treatment,” Traut said.

Preliminary information indicates that four armed suspects entered the premises and opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene.

Several cellphones and a firearm belonging to one of the victims were reported stolen.

“All five victims are believed to be in their thirties. The motive for the attack is still under investigation,” Traut added.

Gugulethu CPF chairperson Deon Makiti said: “We are frustrated, especially after the engagement we had with the provincial police management regarding the shootings in our community.” 

“We will ask for another meeting where we will fan out our frustrations and concerns.”

Makiti said fear continues to grow in the community.

“We have the elderly, we have children and we are worried that this is not about to stop as gunshots go off all the time,” he said.

“The police statement tells you that this could be gang-related because one of the victims had a gun. This could be linked to a shooting that happened over the weekend.”

The incident follows another shooting on Tuesday night in Better Life, Philippi East, where a six-year-old boy was killed and two others were wounded.

The two older victims were taken to hospital for treatment, while the child died at the scene.

Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais, condemned the incident and said detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit were pursuing those responsible.

“The proliferation of illegal firearms and ammunition remains a big contributor to horrific crimes like this,” Marais said.

“I urge the community to support the South African Police Service in their investigation and report any information that may lead to the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.”

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app.

Cape Times