CAPE TOWN – Three people were shot dead and several others narrowly escaped after armed suspects opened fire inside a shack in Gugulethu on Saturday evening (27 June) in what police believe may have been a targeted attack.

Detectives attached to the Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Unit are investigating the triple murder, which took place at about 19:00 in the Kanana informal settlement.

According to a statement by the Western Cape Police, three armed suspects arrived at a shack, allegedly looking for the owner of the dwelling. When they discovered she was not at home, the suspects reportedly remained at the property and waited for her to return.

The statement said that when the woman arrived back at the shack, the suspects opened fire on her and the other occupants.

A 41-year-old woman, a 46-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene by emergency personnel.

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Several other occupants who were inside the shack at the time managed to flee during the shooting and escaped without injury.

The motive for the attack has not yet been established. However, preliminary information suggests the shooting may have been a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence.

No arrests have been made, and detectives are continuing their investigation.

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.