Police detectives are investigating a triple murder and triple attempted murder, following a mass shooting in Lingelethu West in Khayelitsha last night, 27 May.

Lingelethu West police members responded to a complaint of a shooting at a premises in Mew Way, SD Section, at around 6 pm.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of three men who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

One victim was found outside the house, while two others were found inside the residence where they had reportedly been sitting at the time of the attack.

Three additional victims who sustained gunshot wounds survived the incident and were transported to a medical facility for treatment.

While the motive for the attack is yet to be confirmed, Western Cape police Colonel Andre Traut says extortion-related activities are being explored as a possible motive.

“Experienced detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime unit are pursuing all available leads in an effort to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. At this stage, two unknown males are being sought in connection with the incident.”

Additional police have been deployed in the area to stabilise the situation and to ensure increased police visibility within the affected community.

Community members with information have been urged to contact the police immediately.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations of corporal punishment involving two schools on the Cape Flats.

The department said it was made aware of the allegations via social media, where pictures are circulating of learners from Luhlaza Secondary School in Khayelitsha and New Eisleben High School in Crossroads with bruises and swollen hands, who were allegedly assaulted by teachers.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond stated that the allegations at Luhlaza Secondary were never reported to the school or the department.

“The alleged assault has never been reported to the school or the district by the learners concerned, nor by their parents. An investigation into the allegations is underway by the school, including the validity of the image concerned. The district is also engaging with the school to verify the claims, provide support and take further action, if required.”

Hammond further added that the alleged assault at New Eisleben High School is also under investigation.

“We are still waiting for feedback from the Metro South Education District regarding the New Eisleben allegation. The district is making enquiries with the school.”

The department stressed its zero-tolerance approach to any form of violence against learners.

“We take all allegations of assault against learners extremely seriously. Corporal punishment is illegal and strictly prohibited in all schools, and the department has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of physical or emotional abuse of learners.”