The Western Cape Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, has strongly condemned two shooting incidents reported in Philippi East within the Nyanga Cluster on Tuesday where six people were killed.
In the first incident, SAPS reports that a shooting incident took place on Tuesday afternoon between two parties in two Toyota Avanza vehicles on Thekwane Road, Lower Crossroads.
When Philippi East crime prevention members appeared on the scene, a gunman had shot and killed a 19-year-old man. The gunman then fired at the SAPS members who responded and shot the suspect. The suspect died on the scene.
The second incident was later on Tuesday, local police were called to a house in Block 4 where four men had been shot and killed. A fifth victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital. According to the SAPS, there is evidence that seven armed men stormed the home at approximately 18:30 and fired at random.
Minister Fritz says, “I have been informed that in response to the shootings, the SAPS has pulled together a team of detectives who specialise in serious violent crimes to investigate the two shooting incidents. The detectives are currently conducting interviews.”
He continued saying, “I call on the SAPS to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and interviews, particularly as they investigate whether or not these cases are linked and what the motive behind the incidents are. These criminal acts leave community members traumatised, fearing for their lives whenever they leave their homes. Nobody should live this way. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathies to families and friends of the deceased.”
Anyone who has information related to these shootings is urged to immediately come forward and report it to the local SAPS or call 08600 10111.
