Police have flooded Manenberg and launched a full-scale manhunt after a mass shooting on Wednesday night left one person dead and six others injured — including a police officer.
The violence erupted on Rio Grande Walk when a group of armed men allegedly ambushed five people who were standing outside a house and opened fire.
According to reports, a silver-grey vehicle drove down the street, stopped, and several occupants got out before randomly firing shots at those gathered in front of the premises.
When police officers patrolling the area responded to the sound of gunfire, they too came under attack.
The gunmen reportedly turned their weapons on the officers, leading to an exchange of fire before the suspects fled the scene.
One dead, multiple injured
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a 22-year-old man was fatally wounded in the initial attack.
“A 22-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded, and four males aged 24, 35, 36, and 48, including a female aged 56, were injured,” said Van Wyk.
The injured victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Van Wyk added that police officers who responded to the scene were also targeted.
“Police deployed in the area who responded to gunshots also came under fire, and as a consequence, one police official suffered injury.”
A 42-year-old SAPS officer sustained shrapnel wounds to the head during the exchange of gunfire.
Murder and attempted murder cases opened
Manenberg police have registered a case of murder and six counts of attempted murder for investigation.
“The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” Van Wyk said.
The incident is believed to be gang-related.
In response, operational forces have been deployed to stabilise the area and increase police visibility within the affected community.
“In addition to the investigation, operational forces have been deployed in the area to stabilise the situation and to ensure increased police visibility within the affected community,” Van Wyk added.
Week of violence
Residents say the shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have rocked Manenberg this week, with running battles between rival gang groups reportedly escalating tensions.
On Tuesday night, police confirmed that a man was found dead in the centre of Peta Court at nearby Peta Walk. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head.
The back-to-back shootings have heightened fears among residents, many of whom say they are caught in the crossfire of ongoing gang conflicts.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist in tracking down the suspects to come forward.
As the manhunt intensifies, authorities say they are committed to restoring calm in the troubled area and bringing those responsible to justice.
