Urgent response needed as Cape Town faces a surge in mass shootings

In less than a week since the provincial police launched its Safer Festive Season Operations under Operation Shanela II, Cape Town has witnessed five mass shootings.

The most recent occurred in Site C, Khayelitsha, on Tuesday night, when two men were killed and another wounded.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the shooting took place at about 11.25pm on Nkonjane Street.

“Khayelitsha police are investigating two counts of murder and one of attempted murder following the incident, in which two males aged 31 and 34 were fatally wounded and a 24-year-old male was injured. Police members were called to the scene, where the deceased victims were declared on-site by medical personnel, and the injured victim was taken to hospital for treatment. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined. The suspect or suspects fled the scene and have not yet been arrested.”

Phindile George, chairperson of the Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum (CPF), expressed concern about the continuing violence.

“The CPF and the community of Khayelitsha are shocked by such incidents and very concerned about the continuous mass shootings taking place across Cape Town,” he said.

“We are calling on the authorities to put pressure on criminal gangs and conduct stop-and-search operations to rid our communities of firearms, which are wreaking havoc, particularly on young lives and the future of the country. We also call on the government to invest in developmental programmes to dissuade young people from participating in criminal activities.”

George also urged communities to assist law enforcement.

“We call on residents to come forward with information and work with authorities to ensure such crimes are investigated and prevented. We also call on the SAPS and other agencies to act decisively so that our communities can have a safe festive season.”

Rafique Foflonker, spokesperson for the Western Cape Provincial CPF Board, highlighted the strain on policing resources.

“The number of mass murders in recent weeks is alarming. SAPS has dedicated significant resources to investigating these cases, which is a drain on policing.

"Regarding the double murder in Khayelitsha on Tuesday night, the Board is deeply concerned about the situation. The motive is not yet known, and we appeal to the community to provide any information that could help identify both the perpetrators and the motive.”

Recent incidents across the city include a shooting in Philippi last week in which one man was killed and two others wounded; a triple shooting in Valhalla Park; a double killing in Steenberg, where a man and woman were killed and two others injured; and the massacre of seven men in Philippi East on Friday night.

Anyone with information about the latest incident in Khayelitsha is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile application anonymously.

Cape Times