The Kalksteenfontein community has been left reeling as gun violence in the area escalates.

An early-morning gang-related attack has resulted in the deaths of two men in Buttercup Street.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says that while the Bishop Lavis police have launched investigations into the double murder, the search for the suspects behind the attack remains top priority.

Police spokesperson FC Van Wyk says the pair sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.

“According to reports three unidentified males walked up to the two men, aged 18 and 22, and randomly fired several shots at them and fled the scene. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related; however, this forms part of the investigation. Anyone with information about this fatal shooting incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

This brings the death toll in the area to seven, after three people were killed and four others were left injured in a mass shooting in Soetkop Street on Thursday. Two days prior, a double murder was also reported on Hanekam Street.

While the situation in the area remains tense, the Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum has appealed to SAPS to work tirelessly to restore calm to the area and ensure that those behind the recent spate of murders are brought to book.