By Kaya 959 News
Police in the Western Cape are searching for an armed gang after seven people were gunned down in Gugulethu.
A 72-hour Activation Plan has been set up and crime scene experts scoured the scene at NY 79 last night.
“Five people were shot dead by yet-to-be-identified suspects who later fled in a vehicle. Two other individuals were wounded in the shooting incident. They were rushed to a medical facility for treatment where they later died,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa.
She said reports indicate that the victims were attending a traditional ceremony when they came under attack.
“Organised crime detectives are probing the seven murders. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the police on 08600 10111,” Potelwa said.
The identities and ages of the deceased persons will be released once their next of kin are informed.
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Motive unknown
The motive for the shooting incident is yet to be determined.
Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thembisile Patekile, said police teams are already pursuing several leads.
“The teams will work through the night conducting tracing operations,” Patekile said.
Last month, seven people were shot in George.
Police said the group was at a braai in Thembalethu when they came under attack. All seven were shot and survived. A firearm, believed to have been used in the shooting, was found at the scene.
In the same month, 13 people, all believed to be foreign nationals, were killed in Site B, Khayelitsha.
It is alleged the shootings were over ‘protection fees’ which foreign nationals pay to gangs in order to operate their businesses in some areas.
IOL reported that a gang went on a shooting spree after the leader of a rival extortion gang was killed in RR Section.
