Nine-year-old boy among three killed in Mitchells Plain shooting

A manhunt has been launched for four gunmen who opened fire at a house in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, killing a nine-year-old boy and two others. 

Two men were also wounded in the attack on Tuesday and were rushed to medical facilities for treatment. 

Police spokesperson Andrè Traut confirmed the brutal attack in Viscount Street claimed the lives of a nine-year-old boy, a 21-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, while two men aged 51 and 36 were wounded.

“Preliminary reports indicate that four unidentified gunmen opened fire on the premises before entering the house and shooting the victims. 

“Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit have been assigned to the investigation and are pursuing several promising leads to track down the perpetrators responsible for this heinous crime,” Traut said.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile condemned the attack and reaffirmed the SAPS’ commitment to protecting communities from gang-related violence.

“This cowardly and senseless act will not go unanswered. Gangsterism has no place in our society. We will not allow criminals to hold our communities hostage through fear and violence. The SAPS will not relent, we will tighten the net around these criminal elements and ensure that every individual involved in violent gang activity is brought before the law,” said Patekile.

The Provincial Commissioner issued a stern warning to gangsters who threaten the safety and wellbeing of communities: “Your days of terror are numbered. We are coming, and we will ensure you face the full might of the law.”

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

Cape Times