The death toll of the mass shooting at KwaNdelu Shisanyama in Strand has risen to 11 after another victim died in hospital on Sunday, 4 October. The announcement was made by Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso on social media. He said five of the injured have already been discharged from hospital.

This comes after 10 people were brutally killed and 11 injured when unknown men opened fire on patrons on Sunday, 27 September.

Diniso said they are concerned by the rising death toll. He urged religious leaders and the community at large to pray for the injured in hospital.

“We are worried that the number might increase because some of them were seriously injured. But we are hoping that God will protect them. We don’t want to lose any more lives now. It is enough now,” said Diniso, adding that only four remain in hospital. He said they are trying to ensure that the families of the deceased are able to bury their loved ones.

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Mayor vows to fight for more policing powers

City mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said he is deeply saddened and angered at the brazen killing of 11 people at a shisanyama in Lwandle by people with no respect for human life or the law.

“My deepest condolences go to the families and friends of the victims. As I said to them on Sunday, 4 October, our City stands with them in their grief and will do everything we can to assist the officers in their investigation. To those injured in this horrific attack, I wish you a full and speedy recovery,” he said.

He said the City will never stop working to be a strong partner to the police in the fight against violent crime. He said this includes fighting for more policing powers, especially to investigate gun, gang, drug and extortion-related crime.

“Every Capetonian deserves to live in safety, and this is possible if we can secure more convictions for these cruel and cowardly crimes,” said the mayor.

Police unaware of the 11th death

However, provincial police spokesperson Const Ndakhe Gwala said they are not aware of the 11th person who died in hospital.

“Kindly be advised that there are no new developments to report at this stage; the investigation is ongoing,” said Gwala.