· Two women and a man were killed inside a community centre while another patroller was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
· Residents say the murders are linked to criminals who are unhappy that patrols have disrupted their activities.
Three patrollers have been murdered in Xakabantu informal settlement, Vrygrond, Cape Town, leaving the community in shock.
The murders have left residents shocked and frightened.
Mike Khumalo, chairperson of the Vrygrond Community Development Forum, said patrols began after crime in the settlement spiked.
“We couldn’t sit back and watch while crime was increasing each day. We knew some would welcome patrollers and others would not, but we will not stop,” said Khumalo.
The victims were ambushed inside a community centre where they were escorting residents.
“Inside there were four patrollers. The suspects came and started shooting. Two women and one man were killed. The fourth victim is still fighting for his life in hospital,” said Khumalo.
Despite the attack, he said patrols will continue.
“If we stop now, we would be failing the victims who gave their time and died protecting the community. They did this for free. All we can do is carry on so that their deaths won’t be in vain,” said Khumalo.
A resident, who did not want to be named, said the suspects were likely criminals angry about patrols disrupting their work.
“As a community we are sad that they died while trying to protect us. Even though they work for free, they are still continuing and that shows how much they love their community,” said the resident.
Locals said even after just one month of patrols, life was starting to change.
“We could walk freely in some areas knowing patrollers would escort us. Before, we knew we would be robbed,” said another resident.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed the murders and said no arrests have been made.
Pictured above: surviving patrollers from Xakabantu, Vrygrond
Image source: Supplied
