Three people were shot and killed in a suspected gang-related shooting on Saturday in Bishop Lavis.
The victims were reportedly standing in Forel Road, Nooitgedacht, when three cars drove past and opened fire on them.
Two of the victims are allegedly affiliated to a gang in the Valhalla Park area, the local Community Policing Forum said.
Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana: “Circumstances about the death of three men aged between 22 and 35 years in Bishop Lavis are under investigation.
“Three victims were shot while standing outside”.
Rwexana confirmed murder cases are being
investigated.
No one has been arrested.
According to Bishop Lavis CPF chairperson Graham Lindhorst, two of the victims were confirmed dead at the scene.
The third victim died in hospital.
He explained one of the victims, who succumbed to the hail of bullets, was an innocent bystander.
“He was at the wrong place at the wrong time,” Lindhorst said.
“He was a very quiet person and he was shot just 200m from his parents’ home.
“He is the son of a pastor and was shot when he ducked behind a vehicle when the shots rang out.
“Unfortunately, he died on his way to hospital.”
Lindhorst said a meeting has been called with the Bishop Lavis police to discuss police visibility in the area.
“I am meeting with the police (today) because this is unacceptable.
‘‘These criminals are brazen to shoot in broad daylight, so we will be engaging with the police on a way forward.”
He said the incident was a retaliation shooting. “It was a drive-by shooting, which resulted in the suspects eventually chasing after their targets.
“We believe these shootings are all connected to the shootings in Elsies River and Belhar over the past few weeks.
“We suspect there will be more shootings and it may not be in Bishop Lavis, but there will be more shootings.”