Cape Town police are investigating a series of fatal shootings that took place on Tuesday, 11 February, across the city. The shootings, which occurred from Macassar to Hout Bay, have once again highlighted concerns over the movement of firearms and escalating gang violence in the region.
In Manenberg, a 36-year-old man was shot and killed at the corner of Jordan and Hurricane Road at approximately 18:30. According to police spokesperson Frederick Van Wyk, an unidentified suspect emerged from a vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The incident is believed to be gang-related, and no arrests have been made.
Shortly after, at around 18:45, Hout Bay police responded to another fatal shooting on Salmander Road, where a 32-year-old man was gunned down. Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Later in the evening, at about 23:00, Athlone police were called to a scene in Petunia Street, Silvertown, where they found a man fatally shot. A woman who was also injured in the incident was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that cases of murder and attempted murder have been opened, and an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in Village Heights, Muizenberg police are investigating the murder of an 18-year-old woman who succumbed to gunshot wounds after being taken to a medical facility. The suspects remain at large.
In a separate case, a nine-year-old boy was injured in a drive-by shooting in Lotus River at around 20:00. The boy was taken to a medical facility and is recovering.
READ MORE: A boy (9) shot in Lotus River
While the search for the suspects in each incident is underway, Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais, expressed outrage over the rising gun violence.
“The proliferation of guns and ammunition is a major contributor to gang-related killings in Cape Town. The South African Police Service (SAPS) must work closer with municipal law enforcement agencies to prioritise getting illegal guns off our streets and ensure perpetrators of gun-related crimes are successfully prosecuted,” she said.
Marais also called for stronger collaboration between SAPS and community-based organisations such as Neighbourhood Watches to combat crime more effectively.
Meanwhile, police have urged anyone with information related to these shootings to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
