Khayelitsha residents are calling for called for more police boots on the ground after two people were gunned down in the area on Monday 2 November.

A community leader, who refused to be named for fear of reprisals, said crime in the townships  was spiralling increasingly out of control.

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“Every week someone is shot dead in Khayelitsha. Extortion is a big problem in our areas. I suspect even the deceased were part of groups collecting money from local businesses. And there is nothing we can do if the government doesn’t help us. How are we going to fight people carrying guns?”

Provincial police spokesperson Lt-Col FC van Wyk confirmed Lingelethu West Police Station had registered two counts of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Patrol officers hear gunfire

Members of the Maitland Flying Squad, deployed as part of duties relating to the local-government elections, were conducting patrols in Robert Sobukwe Road, Lingelethu West on Monday morning, 2 November, around 10:15.

According to Van Wyk they heard a gunshot near a shopping mall in Khayelitsha.

“They responded, and at the mall they saw someone lying on the ground. Moments later the officers heard another gunshot and ran in the direction from which it came. A suspect, armed with a firearm, came running in the direction of the officers. On seeing them he dropped the firearm and was immediately arrested.”

He said the firearm was recovered at the scene and, on further investigation, was found to be licensed to a person from Stellenbosch.

“Two deceased victims, aged 32 and 46, were found at the scene.”

Suspect due in court

A 35-year-old suspect was detained at Lingelethu West Police Station and faced charges of two counts of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court once formally charged.