A shooting at a barbershop in Khayelitsha on Wednesday has left the local community shaken, as residents voice fears about growing violence in their area.
A 12-year-old boy was killed and three others, aged between nine and 13, were injured when unknown gunmen stormed the venue on Bukwayo Street, Harare, and opened fire. The suspects fled the scene on foot.
Western Cape police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, confirmed that a murder and attempted murder investigation has been launched. He has appealed to the public for information.
“The suspects are yet to be arrested. The motive for this heinous act forms part of ongoing investigation.”
This attack follows a similarly tragic incident in June, where gunmen targeted another barbershop in Site C, Khayelitsha. Three children aged five, 11, and 12, along with a 30-year-old man were killed in this incident.
Two suspects, Athule Mtsha and Sithisa Masiko, were arrested and most recently appeared in court on Thursday. They face multiple charges, including four counts of murder and 11 counts of attempted murder. They were granted bail in July.
Local leaders and residents have expressed growing concern over the safety of children, particularly during the holiday season. The Khayelitsha Community Policing Forum’s Funeka Soldaat says residents fear that children will be exposed to many dangers.
“That was a really, really barbaric act. And the increase of the children that are always caught on this shooting line. It’s been worrying. And the communities are very scared because this is the time of the year [when] children [are] visiting these barbershops all the time.”
Following the June incident, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis called for further arrests and convictions in these cases, emphasising the need for justice and protection.
“It is clear this shooting was the action of a dangerous, highly organised, and well-armed syndicate which is likely engaged in various gang and extortion activities. It is important that we see convictions and justice for the sake of the young lives lost and for their families, and to prevent further loss of life.”
