Residents from New Bright informal settlement in Lingelethu West were reeling from the shooting, on Sunday 20 September, of four people, three of whom died at the scene and the fourth was transported to hospital.

According to community members unknown men entered a shack and opened fire.

One resident, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, described the incident as “horrible”. She said all the victims were shot in the upper body.

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Community shocked by rare violent incident

“When I arrived the deceased were lying on the floor. I don’t know what really happened. It is rare to have these kinds of incidents in the area. Crime is not that prevalent here. We are shocked by the incident.”

Provincial police spokesperson Col André Traut said a triple murder was being investigated a murder as was attempted murder. He said at approximately 22:20 officers responded to a shooting at an informal dwelling in NB63, New Bright.

“On arrival, members found four males with gunshot wounds in the dwelling. Three victims, aged between 27 and 36, were declared dead at the scene, while a 38-year-old male was transported to a medical facility for treatment.”

He said Serious Violent Crime detectives were investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Forensic experts were processing the crime scene and investigators are following up on available leads.

Police appeal for information; no arrests yet

“No arrests have been made at this stage,” he said.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS. Information may be provided anonymously.