CAPE TOWN -Police have arrested three suspects for the killing of a woman in a shooting incident that left seven others, including a 5-year-old, wounded at a birthday party in Mandalay on Saturday night.
They were attacked by occupants of a green Honda Ballade in what has been described as a well-orchestrated shooting.
The 24-year-old woman died in hospital while others were being treated for their gunshot wounds. The 5-year-old was shot in the eye.
“The execution of the 72-hour Activation Plan following the attack on party goers in Mandalay on Saturday evening led to the arrest of three suspects. A 24 year old female was killed and seven others aged between 5 and 26 were injured when the occupants of a Honda Ballade shot at the victims in Montclair Drive, Mandalay, in what is believed to be a gang related incident.
“In pursuit of the suspects, Anti-Gang Unit detectives conducted a tracing operation last night (Sunday) and arrested the suspects aged 22, 35 and 38 who are all from Mitchells Plain. Once charged, the suspects are expected to make their court appearances in Mitchells Plain on charges of murder and attempted murder,” said police spokesperson Andrè Traut.
Speaking to the Cape Times, an eyewitness who asked to remain anonymous out of fear of reprisal, said the revellers were having a good time before the bloodbath.
“At the time they started shooting I was standing by the gate and as they were getting closer I ran to close the garage where we were all seated.
“While I was closing the garage two bullets passed by me, I am very lucky to be alive. Many other people started to run to get a place to hide and that is where some were shot.
“We don't have many shootings in this area, this was the first time I experienced this. It was like a movie, everything happened so quickly.
“I have been trying to process this in my mind but because of the shock my mind is unstable now.”
Cape Times