Members of the South African National Defence Force deployed in Tafelsig to assist the South African Police Service in tackling crime in the area.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
Seven men linked to several shooting incidents in gang hotspots on the Cape Flats are expected to appear in different courts on Monday.
This includes two suspects nabbed for the shooting of a little girl who sustained a gunshot wound to her head in Valhalla Park when she was caught in gang crossfire on Thursday morning.
The incident sparked outrage in the community amid the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) being deployed to the Cape Flats to assist in curbing gang violence.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa on Sunday said Anti-Gang Unit detectives worked around the clock in search of the perpetrators.
“On Sunday, after a thorough search for the suspects, the AGU arrested the pair aged 34 and 38 for attempted murder.
“It is alleged that the shooting incident emanated from a fight between two rival gangs that saw a group chasing a gang member and firing shots. The child who was playing in the street was as a result shot and injured.
“Over 30 spent cartridges were found on the scene,” Potelwa said.
Meanwhile three suspects are expected in the Bellville Magistrate’s court for the murder of a 37-year-old off-duty SANDF member on Wednesday.
“Western Cape Serious Violent Crime detectives investigating the murder, supported by the POCC combat team, drone unit and crime scene investigation team apprehended five suspects in Delft South and recovered the deceased victim’s firearm, magazine, bank card and cell phone.
“Three suspects have been charged with murder and will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s court on Monday.
“The motive for the murder is believed to be robbery,” Potelwa said.
In a separate investigation, a second suspect, aged 31, is expected to appear in court in Mitchells Plain in connection with a double murder and five attempted murders that occurred in Portland, Mitchell’s Plain on Tuesday afternoon.
The first suspect was arrested on Wednesday evening by the Anti-Gang Unit and has since appeared in court on Friday.
“The shooting incidents are believed to be linked to gang violence and its manifestations. The SAPS in the Western Cape remains committed to investigating all reported cases and bringing the perpetrators of crime to justice,” Potelwa said.
Cape Times