A drive-by shooting in Bonteheuwel, Cape Town, has left three men dead, including an innocent bystander, in what is believed to be a gang-related incident. The shooting occurred on the corner of Kiaat Avenue and Jakkalsvlei Street at around 7:30pm on Wednesday evening.
According to Ward Councillor Angus McKenzie, at least one of the deceased was not a gang member, but an innocent individual who did not deserve to become a victim of this ongoing cycle of violence. McKenzie said: “This senseless act of violence comes in the wake of the warnings we issued regarding possible retaliation following Tuesday night’s killing.”
Gang-Related Violence in Bonteheuwel
The shooting follows fears of retaliation after an alleged Americans gangster was gunned down earlier in the week. Police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said that two murder cases and one attempted murder case were opened for investigation at Bishop Lavis SAPS.
Mpendukana reported: “The police reports state that the members were driving past when they noticed a shootout happening, they quickly reacted by chasing after the Silver Toyota Etios that had suspects who were shooting at the victims. After a lengthy chase, they found the car abandoned in another street and the suspects had fled on foot. Upon searching the car, they found out that the car was carjacked in Athlone and inside it they found a 9mm pistol that was also stolen in Athlone.”
Investigation and Response
It is alleged that the suspects changed the number plates to avoid detection. McKenzie added: “This critical development means that, in addition to the serious charges already faced, a hijacking case will now also be added against the suspects when they appear in court. This once again highlights the level of planning behind these crimes but it also highlights something more powerful that no matter the lengths criminals go to, coordinated action and community intelligence will always outmatch them.”
For more information on gang-related violence in South Africa, visit the South African Government website. The crime statistics in South Africa are a concern for many citizens.
- Three men were killed in the drive-by shooting
- One of the deceased was an innocent bystander
- The shooting is believed to be gang-related
- The police are investigating the incident and searching for the suspects
No arrest has yet been made, and anyone with information that might help the police with the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to report anonymously.
