Gang warfare has flared up across Mitchell’s Plain, killing at least five people and injuring six others in 20 separate shootings.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa of the Commissioner’s office issued a statement saying Western Cape police had launched a manhunt.
According to the office most of the shootings occurred in Beacon Valley, where three people were killed and six injured in three separate shootings.
In Tafelsig and the Town Centre two people were shot and killed.
“All incidents are believed to be gang-related. Murder and attempted murder cases have been opened and Anti Gang Unit detectives are investigating the incidents.”
The statement added that multi-disciplinary teams had been deployed in the manhunt, but no arrests had yet been made.
Group-message thread on WhatsApp
Neighbourhood watch group-message threads on WhatsApp, however, estimate the number of shootings to be much higher.
“Sixteen people shot thus far for today (July 3) in the Plain,” one chat said. It said there had been shooting incidents in Tafelsig, Westridge, Eastridge, Beacon Valley, Portland and Lentegeur.
Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Norman Janjies said over the last three days there had been “about 20 shooting incidents and multiple murders, and attempted murders happening across Mitchell’s Plain.”
Westridge shooting
Mitchell’s Plain police confirmed at least one shooting in Westridge on Wednesday 2 July. Station commander Brigadier Brian Muller said Tyrese Plaaitjies (24) was found dead in the street with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, stomach and hands.
Lentegeur Police Station spokesperson Constable Navon van Houten confirmed there had been one shooting incident in Lentegeur.
“A murder case was opened on Tuesday morning (1 July). Unfortunately we cannot yet confirm whether it is gang-related or not.”
He confirmed, however, that there was existing tension between two gangs in the area.
The City has deployed additional law-enforcement officers to Mitchell’s Plain.
Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security JP Smith said: “We have availed nearly 60 members from LEAP, the Metro Police Tactical Response Unit and the Traffic Services’ Roadblock Unit. Our operational management is working closely with [the police] on this matter, and we will avail any other resources where needed so calm may be restored.”
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