Two women were shot dead, and a 12-year-old boy wounded outside Portlands Primary School in Mitchells Plain on Thursday afternoon. Police confirmed that the women were collecting their children from school when the shooting occurred.
According to Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the victims, two women aged 26 and 30, were attacked by a relative who opened fire on them.
“The 26-year-old female was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other two victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment, where the 30-year-old female was declared deceased on arrival at the hospital,” said Twigg.
Police arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the murders. He is expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates’ Court once formally charged.
The motive for the attack is believed to be domestic-related. Mitchell’s Plain detectives are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder.
Meanwhile, Mitchells Plain Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson Norman Jantjies said the community was deeply disturbed by the shooting outside the school.
“We were very disturbed to hear about the shooting incident outside Portlands Primary, where two females were killed and one of the children injured. Fortunately, the perpetrator was arrested,” said Jantjies.
“It appears this was a family dispute and not gang-related. We trust that the family of the deceased will receive the necessary counselling and support, while SAPS conducts a speedy investigation. We also want to thank the Neighbourhood Watch and law enforcement agencies for their quick response at the scene, things could easily have gotten out of hand.”
The shooting has once again raised concerns about violence spilling into community spaces meant to be safe for children and families.
VOC News
Photo: Supplied/SAPS
