Ward 35 councillor Mboniswa Chitha has called for calm after three people were gunned down in Philippi East on Saturday 26 July.
A fourth person was injured.
The shooting happened at Hankomo Street around 02:00.
Col Andre Traut, Western Cape police spokesperson, confirmed the incident. He said police are investigating three murder cases and an attempted murder case.
“Detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have launched an investigation into three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder following a shooting incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning (26 July) at around 02:00.
Preliminary reports indicate that two unknown suspects approached a residence in Hankomo Street, Lower Crossroads, Philippi East, identified themselves as police officers, and claimed to be looking for something.
“The suspects then opened fire on the occupants of the house,” said Traut.
He said two men aged 19 and 20, as well as a 20-year-old woman were declared dead at the scene.
“A fourth victim, a 26-year-old woman, sustained gunshot wounds to her arms and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
The motive for the attack is yet to be determined, and the suspects remain at large,” he said.
Chitha said the community is devastated by the incident.
“We don’t know who perpetrated the incident. We are appealing to the officers to get to the bottom of the incident and to leave no stone unturned,” said Chitha.
He called on everyone to work with the police to fight crime in the community. “No one is safe here. People must take care of themselves, especially the youth.
“They must stop going around at night. Chances of being attacked are higher at night than during the day,” said Chitha.
