CAPE TOWN – Western Cape police have launched a murder investigation following a shooting incident in Site B, Khayelitsha on Friday, 24 July, in which three men (30, 31 and 32) were killed.

Provincial police spokesperson Col Andre Traut said at approximately 15:50, officers responded to a complaint at Mofala Street, Site B, where they found the victims with multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.

“Preliminary information indicates that two unidentified armed men arrived at the premises and made enquiries about the victims before proceeding to a structure at the back of the property. Shortly thereafter, gunshots were heard. The suspects were then seen fleeing the scene in a white Hyundai motor vehicle, travelling in an unknown direction,” said Traut, adding that the motive for the attack forms part of the ongoing investigation and detectives are pursuing all available leads.

He said no arrests have been made.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, said he suspects that the incident is extortion related. He said the killing was well orchestrated.

“Looking at the execution style, it is no different from other shootings that previously occurred in the community. The fact that the culprits asked about the deceased means they knew who they were looking for. I don’t think it was a robbery,” he said.

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The leader stated that extortion is becoming an issue in the townships. He said those most affected are foreign businesses. He urged the deployment of more law enforcement on the ground.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence.