Cape Town Communities Grappled with Deadly Shootings in Mfuleni and Steenberg Precinct
Two separate shooting incidents in the Cape Town area have left multiple dead and a community on edge. In Mfuleni, three men were killed in a suspected gang-related attack, while the Steenberg precinct is grappling with ongoing violence between gang members.
Three Killed in Mfuleni Shooting
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating a shooting in Mfuleni that resulted in the deaths of three men aged 24 to 27. A fourth man was wounded and is receiving medical treatment in a local hospital.
According to police reports, the attack occurred just before 11 PM on Friday night. A lone gunman opened fire on the group. Investigators suspect the incident is gang-related. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward, as no arrests have been made.
Steenberg Residents Fight Back Against Gang Violence
Residents in the Steenberg precinct, encompassing Steenberg, Retreat, and Lavender Hill, are actively working to reclaim their community amidst a surge in violence involving the Junky Funky Kids gang. A recent increase in deadly shootings has left residents feeling under siege.
Another murder was reported on Wednesday in 12th Avenue, Retreat. The 26-year-old victim was allegedly a gang member. Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Steenberg police are investigating the case.
"According to reports the victim was standing in the road when a red vehicle stopped next to him and the occupant of the vehicle started shooting at him before fleeing the scene. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is gang related." - Sergeant Wesley Twigg, SAPS
Nicola Small, Public Relations Officer for the Steenberg Community Police Forum (CPF), noted that there is increased police and law enforcement presence in the area. She also mentioned that more community members are providing information to authorities.
Nicola Small explained: "Following the recent spate of shootings in the Steenberg precinct, SAPS and Law Enforcement have increased their presence in the area. Lately we’ve also seen more people in the community coming forward with information, that’s encouraging, and I hope it’s the start of residents taking back their communities. I always appeal to people to speak up, not be complacent, and not allow the ‘progress’ of these gangs. And I have been seeing a shift."
Prior to this incident, on Monday, a 17-year-old was fatally shot and two men in their twenties were wounded in Retreat. Hours later, two more men were shot in Steenberg.
