CAPE TOWN - Defunct CCTV cameras in townships have allowed criminals to run rampant, community activists have said.
Three people were killed and two others were wounded during a shooting in Nyanga in an alleged gang-related incident on Saturday.
The victims were standing on the corner of Situlo and Chris Hani Streets when a Quantum van with an unknown registration drove past and opened fire.
Sive Siyo, 25, Maine Siko, 33, and Siphelele Nyombolo 26 were killed while Mandisi Mofu, 29, and Sibongiswa Sinyondo, 40 are in hospital.
A total of 26 cartridges were discovered on the scene, while blood swabs were collected by police.
The camera at the nearby Eisleben Road is out of order.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said Nyanga police are investigating murder and attempted murder cases.
“It is alleged that suspects in a minibus taxi fired several shots at four men standing on the corner of Situlo Street after 2pm.
“Three died on the scene while a fourth one sustained a serious injury.
“A woman in her thirties who was standing outside her home was hit by a stray bullet during the shooting.
“The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined. No arrests have been made,”said Potelwa.
Spokesperson for Metro Police Ruth Solomons said the City is looking into the matter as well.
Community Leader Abonke Tyhali said the gang-related shootings have been going on since last year, while broken CCTV cameras have been of no help.
“The incident happened so fast and by how it happened you could tell that it was well planned and the suspects knew who their targets were.
“The cameras have not been working for a very long time and the City is aware of that.
“The incident is gang related and they were paying back a revenge.
“The shootings are ongoing and it affects the innocent people who have nothing to do with their fighting.
“These people have been terrorising our community and we have been reporting the matter many times to the police but nothing was done at all. The presence of police Minister Bheki Cele will solve nothing regarding crime issues affecting our communities,” said Tyhali.
The City said it is looking into the matter and will respond once relevant information is received.
Cape Times