KUILS RIVER – A mass shooting in Kalkfontein, Kuils River, has left two men dead and three others wounded, prompting renewed calls for decisive action to combat gang-related activities on the Cape Flats. The incident occurred at a premises on Elizabeth Street around 1.30pm yesterday afternoon.
According to police reports, unknown assailants opened fire on the occupants of the premises, resulting in a scene of carnage.
Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, a police spokesperson, confirmed that detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit are meticulously combing the scene for clues. "Detectives of the Anti-Gang unit are combing the scene for clues after unknown assailants opened fire on the occupants of a premises," he stated.
Tragically, two men succumbed to their injuries at the scene. "Two males did not survive this onslaught on their lives," Swartbooi confirmed. Three other individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The suspects involved in the shooting fled the scene and remain at large. Police have launched a manhunt to bring them to justice.
"The suspects fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested," Swartbooi said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the motive for the attack is linked to gang activity. "The motive for this attack is believed to be gang-related," Swartbooi added.
The Kuils River police have registered two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder for further investigation. "Kuils River police registered two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder for further investigation," Swartbooi confirmed.
The anti-crime organisation Fight Against Crime South Africa has expressed concern over the ongoing violence on the Cape Flats, arguing that extraordinary measures are needed to address the crisis.
In a statement, the organisation said: "We believe that SAPS members and other policing agencies are doing their best with the very limited resources they have."
However, they also criticised the government's response to the situation. "But let us be clear: no, they are not winning. When Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia brushes off hundreds of killings in just a few months with comments like 'I have a full week' and 'gangsters must stop', we must question where the real priorities lie," the statement read.
Fight Against Crime South Africa called for greater support for the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), arguing that it has the capability to make a difference if properly resourced.
"If the government does not have the backbone to confront this crisis, then back the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) with the resources it needs and step aside," the organisation said. "The AGU has proven its capability, it simply needs the firepower, funding, and freedom to act."
The organisation also emphasised the need for greater collaboration between different law enforcement agencies and the community.
"There's a pressing need for SAPS and the City's Municipal Police Department to work together seamlessly, eliminating the blame game and fostering a united front against crime," the statement read. "Communities must also unite with Law Enforcement to reduce trouble."
Furthermore, Fight Against Crime South Africa called for a reassessment of bail and sentencing policies to prevent repeat offenders from being released back into the community.
"The justice system needs to reassess its bail and sentencing policies to prevent repeat offenders," the statement said. "Collaboration between community members and trusted crime group admins who work with SAPS could lead to safer communities."
The Kuils River shooting is the latest in a series of incidents that have highlighted the challenges facing law enforcement in tackling gang-related activities on the Cape Flats. The incident has prompted renewed calls for a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the root causes of trouble and ensure the safety of communities.
The police are appealing to anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Members of the public can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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