Two teenagers were killed in what is believed to be a gang shooting on Tuesday night, with Western Cape police launching a manhunt for the gunmen.
The two, aged 13 and 17, were found at a home in Hilary Drive, Lavender Hill, with multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said officers discovered a 17-year-old male who sustained gunshot wounds to his legs and a 13-year-old girl who was shot in the head.
“It is alleged that a white Toyota Corolla with unknown suspects shot at them in a drive-by shooting. The motive is believed to be gang related,” said Van Wyk.
He added that police were aware that the area was currently experiencing conflict between various local gangs.
Steenberg Community Policing Forum chairperson Nicola Small said they were aware of the incident and strongly condemned it.
“We strongly condemn the violence of last night. Incidents like these are amplified when they involve minors. We support the SAPS in the investigation and appeal to anyone with information to contact the police,” she said.
A community activist who did not want to be named for safety reasons said the area had been plagued by gangs recruiting young boys into their ranks.
They said:
“Lavender Hill is dangerously out of control. We are dealing with an influx of gangs that think they have taken control of the community, and it’s very sad what they are doing to our young men.”
Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile said they were deeply concerned about the ongoing gang violence on the Cape Flats.
“The cycle of gang violence and its manifestations is a concern for the SAPS. Interventions developed to quell the scourge of violent crimes on the Cape Flats and elsewhere that excluded the youth will be meaningless,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, police said a 34-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning in Espton Close for discharging a firearm in a public space.
Van Wyk said the man was also charged with the possession of an unlicenced firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
According to Van Wyk, residents assaulted the man and police officers had to intervene.
A video of the incident that went viral, the man can be seen fleeing while angry residents chase and assault him, despite the police presence.
The outnumbered cops then open the back of the police van and the man is put inside.
He then partly falls out of the van, as the offers drive off in a hurry.
The man ends up hanging from the vehicle with his feet on the ground as the van speesd off.
Van Wyk said the man was taken under police guard to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. He was discharged later and is currently in police custody.
“The members confiscated a Norinco pistol with three 9mm rounds and handed it in as exhibits,” he added.
The man will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s court once charged.
(News 24)
