By Anita Dangazele
Gqeberha township residents are living in fear of what they describe as “Sunday ritual killings”, with the latest victims shot dead in Zwide on Sunday night.
Every Sunday since the beginning of February, fatal shootings have terrorised the townships of Gqeberha.
It all started with a mass shooting at a birthday celebration in Kwazakhele township on 29 January, where eight people were killed and three wounded. A total of 19 people have been shot and killed since then.
The latest shooting claimed the lives of Mzamo Ngumbela and Khanya Mali while they were apparently dropping off a friend in Zwide’s Ngwekazi Street.
According to Gqeberha police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu, Ngumbela was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the driver’s seat of his vehicle while three other passengers fled the scene.
“It is further alleged that the vehicle was driving in the mentioned street when shots were fired at it. One injured female, age unknown, was found in a nearby house with gunshot wounds to her neck and was taken to hospital. She succumbed to her injuries during the early hours of this morning.
“She was identified as Khanya Mali … The two other passengers are unknown at this stage.
“Police are investigating two cases of murder and two of attempted murder.”
Gqeberha residents said they’re living at the mercy of ruthless killers who storm into people’s houses and taverns and even open fire in the streets in broad daylight.
A simple task like going to the corner shop has become dangerous, with residents unsure if they will make it home alive.
Several residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were too afraid to take their suspicions to the police in case they are targeted.
“Not a single Sunday this month has gone without a shooting somewhere in our townships.
We’re scared. We’re scared to even leave our homes; you don’t know if you’ll make it back. Sundays are like ritual killing days – it’s scary.” She quivered in fear.
Another resident said they were constantly on the lookout for who would be next.
“It’s become so bad that we fear hosting traditional ceremonies and rituals in case hitmen shoot guests. We even fear sending a child to the shop because they might get caught in the crossfire.”
Another resident said all they want is for the government to deploy soldiers as it is clear that police can no longer protect them.
“It can never be a random act for people to just storm into a house and start shooting. We need soldiers and security on the ground. We need raids for all unlicensed firearms to be confiscated,” she said.
According to Gqeberha police the motive for the shootings is unknown and no arrests have been made.
Pictured Above: Mzamo Ngumbela’s Ford Ranger in Ngwekazi street where he was shot dead.
Image Source: Supplied
