Gordon’s Bay was thrust into the national spotlight when a triple murder at the local shopping centre rocked the quiet coastal town.
Three men were shot dead at Gordon’s Bay Mall last Tuesday evening (27 January).
According to a media statement released by the Western Cape police, the incident occurred around 20:20 when unknown gunmen drove into the mall’s parking area, approached a stationary Toyota Corolla with three occupants and opened fire before fleeing. The victims, aged 40 to 45, died at the scene.
“Two victims died in the vehicle and another outside the car,” said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, provincial police spokesperson.
The sound of gunfire drew residents from surrounding communities. When DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette arrived at the scene around 21:00, crowds had gathered in shock and disbelief.
Multiple people were recording and photographing the crime scene on their cellphones. Many of the gruesome images and videos later circulated on social media.
Gordon’s Bay police and emergency services cordoned off the area where one of the deceased was lying some distance from the parked car, with a gunshot wound to his back clearly visible. The driver-side window of the vehicle where the two other victims were found was shattered.
Gordon’s Bay police registered a triple murder docket for investigation and Western Cape police launched an immediate manhunt for the armed gunmen.
The incident is believed to be gang-related, with the deceased later identified as affiliates of a well-known Cape Flats gang.
In the early hours of Wednesday 28 January, four people were brought in for questioning, contrary to earlier reports that they had been arrested.
Captain FC van Wyk, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed that the four persons were released after 48 hours in accordance with legislation stipulating holding periods for questioning.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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