Leaders from Lower Crossroads and Langa have urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen security in their communities following two separate shooting incidents that left six people dead over the weekend.
They said the incidents are concerning and have left community members distraught.
The first incident occurred in Lower Crossroads on Saturday, 6 June, where three men were gunned down while standing at a fruit stall. All three victims died at the scene.
Lower Crossroads residents left traumatised after triple murder
A representative of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Lower Crossroads, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, said the community has been left traumatised by the incident. She said the area has become increasingly dangerous.
“I do not know exactly what happened, but according to information I received, a group of people got out of a vehicle and opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene. We do not know the motive behind the shooting. We are worried because our children are not safe,” she said.
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She added that the community needs increased police deployment to improve safety in the area.
Three men gunned down at Langa braai stand
Meanwhile, Langa community leader Moses Gwija described the triple murder in his area as horrific and shocking.
“It is rare to witness such incidents in Langa. The community is small and most people know each other. We are shocked by what happened and do not want to speculate about the motive. We will allow law enforcement agencies to conduct their investigation,” said Gwija.
He also called for a stronger police presence in the area.
Provincial police spokesperson Col André Traut said detectives attached to the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit are investigating a triple murder following a shooting incident in Lower Crossroads, Philippi East, on the evening of Saturday, 6 June.
Police search for suspects in both triple murder cases
“According to preliminary reports, three adult males were seated at a fruit and vegetable stall outside a residence in Ntloyiya Street when they came under attack. At approximately 19:05, three unidentified suspects approached the premises and opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene. All three victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene by medical personnel,” said Traut.
He said the motive for the attack is still unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made.
Authorities heighten police presence following deadly attacks
“Detectives are pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible. In the meantime, police visibility in the area has been increased to maintain stability, prevent further violence and deter possible retaliatory attacks,” he said.
In a separate incident, Traut said detectives from the Serious Violent Crime Unit are also investigating a triple murder following a shooting in Langa on Sunday afternoon, 7 June.
“At approximately 15:45, officers on patrol responded to reports of a shooting at a braai stand in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Langa. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of three adult males who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motive remain under investigation,” he said.
Traut added that no arrests have been made and the suspects have not yet been identified.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.
