A wave of violent shootings across parts of the Cape Flats has left at least two people dead and two others injured, while police have intensified anti-gang operations that have resulted in multiple arrests, as authorities continue efforts to curb gang-related violence.
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man and the attempted murder of a 15-year-old boy following a suspected gang-related attack in Beethoven Street, Retreat, on Friday night.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. No arrests have been made, but SAPS members are following up on information and conducting operations aimed at bringing those responsible for the murder and attempted murder to justice.
In a separate incident, another man was shot and killed in Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain, while a woman sustained injuries during the attack.
The shooting occurred at approximately 6:30am on Saturday at the corner of Dolomite and Kilimanjaro Streets. Police said the motive for the shooting has not yet been established, and no arrests have been made.
The latest incidents come as police continue targeted operations against gang activity in several Cape Flats communities.
In Hanover Park, members of the Anti-Gang Unit arrested two suspects during separate crime prevention operations, recovering firearms, ammunition and drugs.
During a patrol on Friday, officers spotted a suspicious man walking in the road. The 19-year-old fled when he noticed police, prompting a brief foot chase before he was apprehended. A search led to the confiscation of a .22 calibre pistol and 13 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In a separate operation, officers searched a house in Hanover Park, where they recovered 100 mandrax tablets and ten rounds of ammunition. A 38-year-old suspect was arrested on charges relating to the possession of drugs and ammunition.
Both suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court once they have been formally charged.
Meanwhile, police have made a breakthrough in the investigation into the fatal shooting of a 31-year-old man in Bonteheuwel earlier this week.
Members of Bishop Lavis SAPS responded after reports of gunfire near the corner of Boekenhout Street and Bramble Way, where they found the victim lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds.
Members of the Flying Squad spotted two men fleeing the scene and pursued them. The suspects, aged 25 and 39, were arrested after officers allegedly found them in possession of two firearms.
They are expected to face charges of murder, as well as the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and are due to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court once formally charged.
Police say investigations into all the incidents are continuing as law enforcement agencies maintain heightened operations in gang-affected communities across the Cape Flats.
