Police in Mitchell’s Plain have arrested a 32-year-old man after a shooting in Portlands on Thursday afternoon left two women dead and a 12-year-old boy wounded.

According to police, officers responded to reports of gunfire on Wespoort Drive at around 3 pm. Upon arrival, they found two women, aged 26 and 30, and a 12-year-old boy who had been shot.

Initial investigations indicate that the victims were approached by a person known to them, who allegedly opened fire on them.

Medical personnel declared the 26-year-old woman dead at the scene. The 30-year-old woman and the child were rushed to a nearby medical facility, where the woman was later declared dead on arrival. The boy remains in the hospital.

Police believe the motive for the shooting was domestic-related.

Crime scene experts combed the area for evidence while Mitchell’s Plain detectives launched murder and attempted murder investigations.

The 32-year-old suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and is expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court soon.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that the incident occurred outside a primary school in the area.

Spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says, according to their information, two members of a foster family were allegedly targeted by the biological parent of another learner.

She says the boy who was wounded was not connected to the matter, and his injuries are not life-threatening.

Portland Primary issued a short circular to parents after the incident to reassure them that the situation is under control.