The fatalities in the mass shooting incident in Bishop Lavis on Thursday evening has risen to seven. This tragedy comes just a day after five were fatally shot in Atlantis, sparking fresh concerns about escalating gang violence in the region.

According to police reports, the Bishop Lavis incident occurred around 20:40 on Kogelberg Street when an armed suspect entered an informal dwelling and opened fire, killing four men and two women. Two other individuals sustained injuries.

Police later noted that a 26-year-old woman, who sustained serious head injuries,  succumbed to death on Friday morning.

Police have reinforced deployments in the area, while the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) has taken over the investigation.

“Murder and attempted murder dockets were opened for investigation with Anti-Gang Unit detectives investigating the cases. No arrests have been effected yet,” said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The shootings in Bishop Lavis follow a similarly tragic incident in Atlantis on Wednesday evening, where unknown gunmen opened fire on multiple vehicles at an intersection near Atlantis. Five people were killed, and five others were injured in what locals have called a “planned attack”.

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Fabian Williams, spokesperson for the Atlantis Community Policing Forum, described the community as “shocked” and noted that gang violence has been on the rise in recent months. He says there has been a surge in gun violence in the region, but not to this extent.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt. General Thembisile Patekile, condemned both attacks and pledged full resources to apprehend those responsible.

“AGU detectives spare no resources in getting to the perpetrators of the two heinous acts. Both shooting incidents are believed to be gang related.”

Western Cape MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, announced that the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) Rapid Response Unit would be stationed in Atlantis to help restore order.

“I want to urge members of the public who may have any information on this incident, and other crimes, to assist us and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Together, we can beat crime in the Western Cape.”

*This article has been updated with the latest information.