- Detectives are investigating a shooting at Mthatha barber shop in Browns Farm, Philippi, that left three men dead and five others injured.
- The police believe the incident may have been sparked by revenge, but are still determining the motive behind the attack.
- No arrests have been made yet, and the community is calling for increased security measures, including the deployment of soldier.
Detectives attached to Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit are following up all leads to find the suspects responsible for the shooting that occurred at Mthatha barber shop at Sheffield Road in Browns Farm, Philippi on Wednesday 11 September.
Provincial police spokesperson Lt-Col Malcolm Potjie says no arrests have yet been made.
In a statement released last week, on Wednesday 11 September, by the provincial police spokesperson Col Andre Traut said the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit (PSVCU) detectives have initiated a manhunt for the four suspects. They are believed to be behind the killing of three males aged between 18 and 21, and the attempt to kill five in Browns Farm.
“An initial investigation has revealed that four armed men approached the eight victims at around 13:15 at the barber shop, where two were shot and killed on the scene. Six men were admitted to hospital and upon arrival a third male succumbed to death due to the extent of his injuries. We have reason to believe that the incident has been sparked by revenge, but as our investigation unfolds the modus operandi will be determined in a bid to get to the bottom of the multiple murder and attempted murders,” said Traut.
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One of the residents, who gave her name as Amanda for fear of reprisal, said the incident occurred around 13:00. She said the suspects came out of nowhere and opened fire on the victims who were inside the barber shop.
“I believe the shooting is extortion-related. It is not a secret, extortion is rife in Philippi,” said Amanda, adding that the extortionists are targeting the Somali-owned shops which cause them to be afraid to and buy from their shops.
She urged the president to deploy soldiers in the area to stop the killings.
