Community leaders from New Crossroads and Philippi East have condemned the shootings that occurred in their areas on Saturday 28 March and have called for the rapid deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members.
These remarks follow two separate shooting incidents in which five people were killed and several others injured.
Three killed in Gugulethu backyard attack
In New Crossroads, three people were shot and killed while one was injured. In Philippi East, two people were killed and two others injured.
READ ALSO: Seven killed in suspected extortion-related mass shooting in Philippi
A community leader from New Crossroads in Gugulethu, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, said residents are living in fear.
He said no one is safe these days.
“According to reports I received, the victims were socialising in a backyard, playing music, when the perpetrators entered and randomly opened fire. Two people were killed on the spot and another one died on his arrival at the hospital. That shows the level of crime in our communities. We are terrified,” he said.
Residents call for stronger laws and death penalty debate
He urged the government to amend laws to better protect communities, arguing that criminals continue committing violent acts without fear of consequences.
“Enough is enough. The government must bring back the death penalty. We need to change our laws. Criminals, especially murderers, should not enjoy rights in prison,” he said.
Another community leader from the Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East, who also requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said crime in the Philippi East police precinct is spiralling out of control.
“The level of crime in Lower Crossroads is getting worse every day. Extortionists are dictating what happens in our communities. People are too afraid to report them. Sometimes these gangs fight among themselves,” he said. He said it is high time for the government to deploy soldiers.
Police investigate motives behind the shootings
Western Cape police spokesperson Col Andre Traut confirmed that police are investigating the two separate incidents, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 28 March.
“Gugulethu police have registered three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder following a shooting incident at approximately 03:35 in J Nontulo Street. According to preliminary reports, a group of individuals were socialising in a backyard when unknown suspects gained access to the premises and opened fire before fleeing the scene,” said Traut.
He said three victims, aged between 24 and 40, succumbed to their injuries, while a 24-year-old man is receiving medical treatment.
“Two victims were declared dead at the scene, while a third later died in hospital. The motive is not yet confirmed, but investigators are exploring the possibility that this may have been a targeted attack,” he said.
Philippi-East shooting leaves two dead and two injured
In a separate incident in Philippi East, in the Marikana informal settlement, a 43-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman were shot and killed at about 04:00.
“Two additional male victims, aged 37 and 46, sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital for treatment. The circumstances suggest that robbery may have been the motive,” he added.
