A violent weekend has shaken communities in the Western Cape after 13 people died in separate shootings. Incidents in Khayelitsha and Stellenbosch townships have prompted a major police response.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) reports that suspects fled every scene, and investigations continue into the motives behind the Western Cape shootings.
Multiple Fatal Shootings Hit Khayelitsha Townships
Three men aged between 20 and 24 died inside an informal dwelling in Khonkxa Street, Makhaza, on Sunday evening around 7:30pm. Family members heard gunshots and discovered the victims with gunshot wounds.
Early Monday morning at about 01:38, three men in their thirties were shot at a shebeen in Endlovini, Harare. They later died at a medical facility, Colonel André Traut told reporters.
Seven People Die in Khayamandi Shooting Spree
Brigadier Novela Potelwa detailed five shooting incidents in Khayamandi, Stellenbosch, on Friday evening and Saturday morning that left seven people dead.
One 46-year-old man was shot after returning from work in Mgabadeli. Two men aged 27 and 32 died in Thubelisha. Police also discovered bodies of a 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman in Fire Street, a 33-year-old man in Luyolo Street, and a 37-year-old man in 7th Avenue.
SAPS Launches Manhunt for Western Cape Shootings Suspects
SAPS management assured affected communities that it will use every available resource to trace and apprehend those responsible. A team from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit has taken charge of the cases.
“Police deployments and operations have also been increased in the affected areas to stabilise the situation and prevent further violence,” Colonel André Traut said.
No Arrests Yet as Investigations Continue
Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed that no arrests have been made in the Khayamandi incidents and that motives remain under investigation. Detectives are checking whether any of the Western Cape shootings are linked.
Hey, I’m Spencer, your go-to journalist and video wizard at Newsroomza. From local drama to world-shaking stuff, I mix in some cultural flair and throw in my cheeky takes on sports – because who says news can’t be a laugh?