The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a shooting incident that occurred at Site C on Wednesday 25 March in which four men were allegedly shot and killed by police officers. The incident took place at around 20:00, a few metres away from a KFC fast-food outlet on Japhta K. Masemola Road.
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Novela Potelwa said the officer’s reports indicate members of the Provincial Combat Team received information about suspects engaged in extorting businesses in the area and spotted a vehicle matching the description.
Site C police shooting leaves four men dead
“The vehicle was followed and members attempted to pull it over in Japhta K Masemola Road. The occupants allegedly drew firearms and pointed them at the officers. The team responded and, as a result, four yet-to-be-identified males were fatally wounded,” said Potelwa.
He added three firearms, believed to belong to the deceased, were confiscated at the scene.
Community links Site C police shooting to extortion
A leader of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the area, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said they suspected the incident may be linked to extortion. The community was deeply concerned about the impact such incidents had on them, the source said.
“We are living in fear. We’ve seen these kinds of incidents happening in front of us. We’ve seen our local shops being closed allegedly by extortionists. There are many things happening that are linked to these people,” he said.
Calls for more police deployment in Khayelitsha
The community leader urged authorities to deploy more officers in the area, warning that Site C was becoming a crime hot spot.
“As a parent, I’m devastated because those committing these acts are young people. It is clear there are older individuals behind them telling them what to do,” he stated.
