Residents of Harare, Khayelitsha were reeling after four people were shot and killed, and another injured in a shooting at an illegal shebeen in Ntlazane Road on Tuesday 10 March.
Community suspects extortion behind Harare shebeen shooting
A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, related that unknown men had stormed into the shebeen and opened fire on the people before fleeing.“We cannot rule extortion out because the way the incident was conducted tells it all. It is clear the perpetrators had planned the shooting. They didn’t go there to rob people. They went there to kill.” The leader didn’t wish to speculate and preferred to leave the investigation in the authorities’ hands, and found the continuous killings in the townships deeply concerning.
“Perhaps soldiers will make a difference because the officers are clearly failing us. The criminals are not scared of the officers; in fact they are friends with them.”
Police launch manhunt after Harare shebeen shooting
Provincial police spokesperson Col André Traut said police in the province had launched a manhunt for four unknown armed suspects following a fatal shooting incident in Harare on the 10th.
He said according to reports four armed men arrived at a residence in Ntlazane Road, where several patrons were gathered in the yard watching a soccer match, at approximately 20:15. The suspects opened fire on the group, fatally wounding three people at the scene.
“Two additional victims were transported to a local medical facility for treatment, where one of them later succumbed to his wounds,” Traut said. “Four victims aged 30 to 38 died in the shooting, while a 59-year-old sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.”
Investigation into illegal liquor outlet underway
He said preliminary information suggested the premises may have been operating as an illegal liquor outlet and the motive for the attack could be linked to extortion.
“This aspect forms part of the ongoing investigation. Detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit are following up on several leads. The suspects fled the scene on foot and have not yet been arrested.
