Africa-Press – South-Africa. Gang violence has erupted in Manenberg and Hanover Park on the Cape Flats, just days before schools reopen, prompting a community policing forum (CPF) to increase visibility.
Western Cape police are investigating a murder and several attempted murders after a 24-year-old man was gunned down and two others, aged 14 and 30, were wounded in Ruimte Road, Manenberg on Thursday.
“According to reports, a Toyota Yaris stopped in Ruimte Road, and the passenger got out and fired several shots at the 24-year-old [man], fatally wounding him in the head and upper body. The 14-year-old boy was hit while standing at the tuck shop, and the 30-year-old [man] was injured while waiting for a taxi,” police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk said.
The shooters are still at large.
Manenberg CPF chairperson Vernon Visagie told News24 that shooting in the area was out of control. He said it was “concerning” that the violence flared up so close to the reopening of schools.
“Gang violence is always a concern for the community. To hear gunshots ring out almost every day, any time of the day, is not a welcome feeling at all.
“There are constantly innocent bystanders being shot at during these random shootings. A lot of the residents are forced to stay in their homes for fear of being struck by a bullet,” Visagie added.
He called on the City to increase law enforcement patrols in the area and not just “talk the talk.”
“Our people are suffering on the Cape Flats. It’s all good and well when officials acknowledge the crime on the Cape Flats, but what is actually being done to try and prevent these senseless killings?” he asked.
Meanwhile, Philippi police are investigating an attempted murder after a shooting in Algoa Court, Hanover Park on Wednesday in which a 50-year-old man was wounded.
“According to reports, the 50-year-old complainant was at home when he had an argument with a family member. He left and whilst standing outside, he saw the suspect coming up the stairs, holding a firearm in his hand. He randomly started shooting inside the house. The complainant took cover behind a wall. The mirror was damaged. No injuries were reported,” Van Wyk said.
Hanover Park CPF spokesperson Kashiefa Mohammad said any aspect of the community’s safety and security was a huge concern.
Mohammad said:
She added that the community was living in a constant state of fear.
“Even send[ing] your kids to school is stressful. Will they arrive safely at school as shootings happen in the mornings? Will they arrive safely home from school as shootings happen in the afternoons? How does a parent focus at work with this worry? How does the parent at home, having the privilege of walking their child to school, feel knowing even that this is not enough [to stop the shootings],” Mohammad said.
One resident, Yaseen Johaar, said the increase in violence in the area was “scary”.
“Gangsters don’t need a permit to shoot. The shooting takes place almost every day and when they start their shooting, they aim to kill, and unfortunately, if bystanders are in their way, they will be hit. It’s very sad to see,” Johaar added.
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