WATCH: Mitchell’s Plain community mourns after deadly shooting leaves child among the victims
Three people were shot dead and two injured in mass shooting in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain.
Image: File
Mitchell’s Plain was rocked by a devastating mass shooting that claimed three lives and left two others wounded. Among the deceased is a nine-year-old child, whose death intensified the shock and grief in the Rocklands community.
The shooting happened on Tuesday evening, when four gunmen opened fire on a home in Viscount Street. After shooting at the property from outside, the attackers forced their way in and continued firing, killing a 21-year-old woman and a 26-year-old man, and injuring two men aged 51 and 36, who were rushed to hospital.
In the aftermath of the attack, the South African Police Service has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspects. Detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit have been assigned to the case and are currently following several strong leads as they work to identify and arrest the perpetrators behind what officials are calling a “heinous and cowardly act.”
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, condemned the shooting and said SAPS will not allow gang violence to tighten its grip on our communities.
“This senseless attack will not go unanswered. Gangsterism has no place in our society, and we will not allow criminals to hold our communities hostage through fear and violence,” he said.
Patekile issued a stern warning to gang members operating in the province. “Your days of terror are numbered. We are coming, and you will face the full might of the law.”
Police have urged residents to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation. Tip-offs can be provided anonymously via #CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or through the #MySAPSApp.