Deadly gang violence in Mitchell's Plain linked to 'family feud'

Authorities have disclosed that the motive behind the recent spate of shootings in Mitchell's Plain on Thursday stems from a domestic dispute involving rival gang members within the same extended family. 

Speaking during a visit to the Mitchell's Plain police station, Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile said the violence appeared to have been triggered by a conflict between in-laws, both allegedly high-ranking figures in opposing gangs.

“It would have been difficult to anticipate that this was going to happen, because it started as a domestic fight between two related leaders from different opposing gangs within the same family. It escalated to the point where we lost many lives and many more were injured,” said Patekile.

Five people were killed and seven others wounded in the shootings. 

He confirmed that 19 people had been taken into custody.

Of those, five have been charged in unrelated matters, including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, while the remaining 14 are still being questioned concerning the various shooting scenes.

Patekile said some of the victims were shot at or near spaza shops in Beacon Valley and Town Centre, while another was shot inside a home, through a window.

“We have reason to believe that some of these incidents may be linked due to similarities in the nature of the attacks and possible suspects. But for others, such as the one at Town Centre, we haven’t yet established a direct link.”

In response to the attacks, police have deployed nearly 100 officers across high-risk areas, including Beacon Valley and Westridge.

This is in addition to the more than 400 officers deployed jointly with the City of Cape Town since June 1 to hotspot stations that account for more than 70% of gang-related incidents in the province.

Patekile declined to name the gang leaders involved, saying: “I’m not going to promote them. They are just criminals. This started small between family in-laws, then escalated and dragged in others, leading to what we saw.”

He said investigations into possible motives also included extortion and hit-style killings. One of the victims was a known hawker operating in the area, police said.

Asked about the broader call for the deployment of the military, Patekile said SAPS welcomed any support that may arise from such a process but emphasised that, operationally, they remained focused on stabilisation and arrests.

“The president, the minister, and the national commissioner will decide on that. But whatever support we can get, we will accept.”

Patekile also said he supports the idea of a commission of inquiry into gang violence.

SAPS confirmed that the 72-hour plan activated after the violence would remain in place beyond the weekend.

“It’s not just a 72-hour response. We are here to stay until this area is stabilised,” Patekile said.

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