Rumours there had been a fifth shooting at a school in Strandfontein caused fear among parents and learners, but the local community policing forum has confirmed the rumour as being false.

This was in the aftermath of four people being killed in three shootings over four days, linked to gang violence in the area, which have put the community on edge.

In response to the fatal shootings over the weekend and on Monday police upped patrols in the area and stationed a van outside Strandfontein High School, close to where two of the shootings occurred, to increase visibility and with a view towards learner safety. However, the sight of the van sparked panic and rumours among learners and their parents.

Sandy Schuter, the Strandfontein CPF chair, confirmed there had been no shootings at schools in the area. “It’s also part of our stabilisation to be highly visible everywhere,” she said.

Prayer response

Meanwhile, on Tuesday night (20 October) the police’s spiritual crime-prevention volunteers took part in a prayer session at Blou Dakke in response to the gang violence.

Dozens of residents, faith leaders, community leaders and police responded to the call and publicly prayed for an end to the shootings in the area.

Spiritual crime-prevention head, Sgt Deon Coetzee, told the gathered “prayer warriors” that the community can stand up against the evil of gangsterism if united.

“If we want to see God’s hand move then we must be united,” he said, “because where we are united there is a blessing.”

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