President Cyril Ramaphosa has responded to a spate of violent incidents across the Cape Flats that left at least 26 people dead over the weekend.
In the latest incident, eight people were shot and killed, while two others were injured, during a mass shooting at the Marikana Informal Settlement in Philippi on Saturday. Police believe the attack is linked to extortion, and a manhunt is under way for the suspect who fled the scene.
On Friday, a 35-year-old man was shot and killed in Maitland. His body was discovered next to a silver Volkswagen Polo at the corner of Paton and Coronation roads, just metres from the Maitland Mosque.
The Seawinds community is also in mourning after a 15-year-old boy was shot and killed on St Peter’s Street on Friday afternoon. The incident forms part of a renewed wave of gang-related violence affecting Seawinds, Overcome Heights, and surrounding areas.
Ward Councillor Mandy Marr told VOC News that residents are frustrated and exhausted by the ongoing violence and the continued loss of innocent lives.
Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the affected families and pledged government action to protect communities.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said police visibility is being increased in affected areas and urged residents to work closely with law enforcement.
“The President urges residents to provide information to the police on an ongoing basis — even about neighbours and family members — so that communities become unsafe for criminals. With the assistance of community members, the South African Police Service has been able to arrest 100 gang leaders,” Magwenya said.
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm/Stock
