Police launch manhunt after five killed and seven injured in Mitchells Plain gang violence

Western Cape police have launched a manhunt after five people were gunned down and seven were left injured in several shooting incidents that occurred at different locations in Mitchell’s Plain on Thursday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa confirmed that multidisciplinary deployments have been bolstered to prevent further occurrences.

The first shooting that claimed the lives of two people and left three wounded at about 12.30pm occurred at a tuck-shop in Beacon Valley. 

“Also in Beacon Valley, four other persons were shot at another tuck-shop. One died and three were wounded. In the third shooting incident, another person was shot and injured, also in Beacon Valley” said Potelwa. 

Two more people were shot dead in Tafelsing and Town Centre.

“All incidents are believed to be gang related. Murder and attempted murder cases have been opened, and Anti-Gang Unit detectives are investigating the incidents.  As the manhunt for the perpetrators continues, no arrests have been affected yet,” she said.

Meanwhile, Safety and security mayco member JP Smith said the City is also deploying additional resources to Mitchells Plain to support the SAPS.

“We have availed nearly 60 members from LEAP, the Metro Police Tactical Response Unit and the Traffic Services’ Roadblock Unit. Our operational management are working closely with SAPS on this matter and we will avail any other resources where needed so that calm may be restored. Also critical is to find the perpetrators behind these heinous acts,” he said.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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