Residents of Steenberg, Overcome Heights, and Seawinds remain on edge following a spate of deadly shootings that have claimed multiple lives in recent days.
In the latest incident, two men, aged 24 and 37, were gunned down on an open field in Flute Street, Steenberg, on Monday afternoon.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the details of the attack:
“The victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is believed to be gang-related. According to reports, the victims were walking in the street when a white vehicle stopped next to them and the occupants started shooting at them. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
This follows two other killings in Overcome Heights on Sunday, as well as the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Seawinds on Saturday. Police believe both incidents are linked to gang activity.
Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Nicola Small said the killings stem from in-fighting within the same gang.
“A few weeks ago, we had a spate of shootings in the Steenberg precinct. SAPS then made an arrest, and since then, it has been quiet for a long time. And now, recently, there’s been a flare-up again, and it is believed to be gang-related and linked to the same gang.”
Ward 45 Councillor Mandy Marr described the situation as devastating for residents across the area.
“The community is reeling after a spate of gang-related shootings right across Seawinds, Hill View, Overcome Heights, Vrygrond, and Xakabantu, with many lives being lost and many people being injured. A lot of these shootings seem to be targeted, but there are many innocent victims who get in the way. The community is absolutely terrified at the moment. We really call on SAPS to bring in the army. We really desperately, desperately need interventions here. The shootings are sporadic. The shootings are day and night, so nobody is safe. It’s just absolutely devastating for our communities.”
No arrests have yet been made, and police investigations are ongoing.
VOC News
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