The Cape Flats Safety Forum has condemned the mass shooting in Wesbank, Cape Town, in which a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were killed, while seven others, including an infant, were injured on Sunday morning.
Police have launched an investigation into the attack as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Speaking to VOC News, Cape Flats Safety Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs said the latest incident reflects a worrying increase in mass shootings across the Cape Flats and has renewed calls for stronger action against illegal firearms.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge that over the past couple of days we’ve seen an increase in what we call mass shootings. We’re focusing on one area, but if you look at Mitchells Plain, there was also a mass shooting over the weekend. It just goes on and on,” Isaacs said.
He said the Forum believes government should establish a dedicated commission of
inquiry to investigate the root causes of gun violence on the Cape Flats.
“However, we still hold the view as the Cape Flats Safety Forum that a special probe really needs to be set up to deal with this gun violence. A similar probe to the Madlanga Commission needs to be established so that we can start digging deeper into gun violence on the Cape Flats,” he said.
Isaacs also urged law enforcement agencies to ensure those responsible for the Wesbank shooting are swiftly arrested and brought to justice, while calling on communities to continue working with police by sharing information that could assist investigations.
The Western Cape government has likewise appealed to residents to cooperate with law enforcement as efforts continue to combat violent crime in affected communities.
Photo: VOCfm/Stock
