The community of Gugulethu in the Western Cape has little doubt that the shooting which left three people dead on Sunday evening was gang-related.
Zameka Zweni, 39, was on her way home when she heard gunshots. “I have never heard so many gunshots in my entire life except in the movies, and I still cannot believe it was real.”
She wanted to go and check who was shot but was wary of being hit by a stray bullet.
“I ran and hid in a house next to the mall. When it was all quiet I went to see who was being shot.”
She was not surprised to see two people lying dead.
“The two guys died inside the car, and the other one was rushed to hospital.”
A community member who asked not to be identified thinks the incident has everything to do with protection fees. “I heard people mentioning that, and we all know that when something like this happens in our area, it’s either drugs or a protection fee.”
And now that it has started, they said, it will keep happening.
“Everyone wants free money, but they fight at the end of the day. I don’t know why. The ending is not good, and I wish our government could do something to end protection fees.”
When Scrolla.Africa arrived at the scene, forensics were busy. More than 40 bullets were found.
Lonwabo Tyeku is relieved that the shooting happened on the weekend.
“That road is very busy. If this happened during the week, many innocent people could’ve been affected by something they know nothing about.”
She said the area had been a war zone lately, with people dying like flies.
Western Cape Saps spokesperson, Brigadier Novela Potelwa, said a triple murder docket had been opened for investigation after three men between the ages of 28 and 30 were shot and killed on Sunday evening.
“Reports from the scene indicate the vehicle in which the deceased persons were travelling had just entered NY6 when it came under fire from unknown gunmen who later fled in another vehicle.”
Two of the victims died on the scene, while a third died in hospital after sustaining severe gunshot wounds from the shooting incident. Anyone with information on the shooting that could assist the police investigation is urged to contact the police on 08600 10111 or via the MYSAPSApp. Information received will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
Pictured above: Forensic and police officers in Gugulethu township combing the scene for evidence.
Image credit: Buziwe Nocuze
