Cape Town – Seven men were gunned down in a massacre in Gugulethu on Wednesday.
NY79 was crowded with vehicles and people who had come to see what had occurred as the bodies of the deceased lay scattered.
At least three bodies lay on top of another, hidden behind a BMW parked outside a home. A few feet away lay two other bodies.
Police confirmed that they are investigating the murder incident that took place in Gugulethu NY79.
It is alleged that the deceased were attending a traditional ceremony when they were attacked.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said: ’’Police crime scene experts are still scouring the scene in NY 79, Gugulethu, where five people were shot dead by yet-to-be identified suspects. who later fled in a vehicle.
’’Two other individuals were wounded in the shooting incident. They were rushed to a medical facility for treatment, where they later died.’’
She said police have instituted the 72 Activation Plan for the mobilisation of resources in search of gunmen who shot and killed the deceased.
Potelwa said reports indicate the deceased were attending a traditional ceremony.
The motive for the shooting incident is yet to be determined. She said the identities of the deceased would only be released once relatives have been informed.
Western Cape acting police commissioner Major-General Thembisile Patekile said police teams are already pursuing several leads.
“The teams will work through the night conducting tracing operations,’’ said Patekile.
A concerned Gugulethu community spokesperson, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “We condemn this kind of killing. Last year we had a similar incident that took place.
’’It looks like mass killings have become a norm here in Gugulethu. We need to ensure that Gugulethu becomes a safe place for all and return to the state it used to be.
’’We are on our own as the Gugulethu community. SAPS is understaffed and they don’t have enough resources We want the police to do a thorough investigation and ensure that perpetrators to arrested.
’’We want Gugulethu to continue developing. We will work closely with the CPF in ensuring that the community feels safe.
“It is saddening that Gugulethu has become a hot spot for these types of crimes. We need to work hand in hand with the police and ensure that incidents like these don’t happen again in our communities.
’’It is clear that we are not safe in our own communities. We need to find a solution to these types of killings and it needs to stop. As a community we will take a stand and work together.”
IOL