COPS have launched a 72-hour activation plan after five people were killed at Endlovini in Khayelitsha yesterday morning, 14 March.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa said crime experts were still scouring the scene where the murders occurred.
“Reports indicate that unknown gunmen approached shacks located at the Monwabisi Park Informal Settlement in Endlovini, Khayelitsha, in the early hours of yesterday morning and fired shots.
“A woman and four men were killed,” Potelwa said, adding that the motive behind the shooting was still unclear.
“Organised crime detectives are investigating the murders. The victims, who are yet to be identified, are estimated to be between the ages of 25 and 35,” Potelwa said.
Speaking to Newzroom Africa, Provincial police commissioner, General Thembekile Pathekile, told Newzroom Africa that cops found two crime scenes.
“At the first scene, we found a woman who was partially naked. On the next scene, about 300m from here, we found four men who were also shot,” Pathekile told the news channel.
He said they had established that one of the killed men was the boyfriend of the slain woman, as they also found him partially naked.
“So we suspect that he was kidnapped from here to that area where he was shot and killed,” Pathekile added.
He pleaded with the members of the community to help them find the suspects who are behind the shootings.
Acting community safety MEC Anroux Marais condemned the killings and said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the shooting and killing of five individuals in Khayelitsha yesterday morning. I condemn this act in the strongest terms. Violence has no place in our society.
“I further welcome the activation of a 72-hour plan put in place by SAPS to assist in searching for the unidentified gunmen. I am informed that SAPS crime experts are continuing to look at the scene of the crime.”
“I have further been informed that organised crime detectives are investigating the murders. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the deceased during this very difficult time.
“I call on the SAPS to leave no stone unturned in their investigation to ensure that those who are guilty are brought to book.”
Meanwhile, Khayelitsha Development Forum chairperson, Ndithini Tyido said: the forum is urging anyone who has further information to come forward.“It’s once again a massacre of black lives by another black life. It is acts like these that bring a bitter taste to the mouths of all those law-abiding, peace and democracy-loving residents of this community.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 08600 10111. – Additional info from NEWS24
