Mass Shootings in Cape Town, South Africa, Leave 11 Dead

A Specialist Team has been appointed to quell the situation in Phillipi East in the Western Cape where 10 people were shot dead last night in four separate scenes in the Marikana informal settlement. An eleventh person died later in hospital from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack, according to the South African Police Services (SAPS).

Earlier in the week seven people were killed on Tuesday in what was believed to be vigilante murders. Relatives and locals in the area told EWN that they’re devastated by not surprised by what they call a “massacre”. They expressed frustration with poor policing in the township and called for action from the government. 

Police Minister Fikile Mbalula said “we are aware of the situation in Phillipi, Cape Town. The police will act and work hard in finding the perpetrators… we will chase them and face them.” He said it is “unfortunate that innocent people have died” in this incident and that tasks teams are being sent to hunt down the criminals.

The precinct has been placed under the care of a Deputy Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Mpumelelo Manci… who has many years of experience and previously worked in Nyanga as a station commissioner, according to SAPS. He will be supported by a team comprising specialist detectives, intelligence operatives and high risk units such as Tactical Response Team (TRT) members, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and other forces.

Forces on the ground are currently executing search operations that are set to continue throughout the weekend.

Mbalula said: “Our people can’t live in fear. Our kids deserve to grow in a non-violent society.”

An appeal is made to community members with information to come forward and assist the police in finding “these ruthless criminals who have no regard for life and bring them to book”.

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