Three people, including a nine-month-old baby, were killed in a shooting at Sunbird Court in Athlone on Tuesday night. Two adult men were also injured and taken to hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that three suspects fled the scene and have not yet been arrested.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) condemned the killings and outlined the scope of the investigation.
“We strongly condemn the senseless and brutal killing of three people, including an infant, in a shooting incident last night. Detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are leading the investigation, and all available resources have been mobilised to trace and apprehend those responsible,” said SAPS spokesperson André Traut.
The Athlone Community Policing Forum (CPF) expressed shock over the incident and highlighted the devastating impact on the victims’ families.
“We call on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. As the CPF and the broader community, we are deeply distressed by this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said Naweed Mohamed.
Local organisation FACSA also condemned the attack, describing it as a brazen act of violence.
“There is no justification for such cowardly violence, especially when innocent lives are taken within their own community. This attack is a brutal reminder of how brazen and heartless those behind gang violence have become. We call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice without delay,” the group said.
Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
Photo: Sourced
