Police Monitor Gang-Related Killings
Authorities are monitoring gang-related violence after multiple fatal shootings over the weekend in Ravensmead and Grassy Park. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched investigations into the murders, urging communities to avoid vigilante justice.
Ravensmead Shooting at Funeral
Ravensmead police are investigating two murders after a fatal shooting at Beverly Court on Saturday morning. In a tragic turn of events, a 26-year-old suspect killed a 54-year-old man whilst he was attending his son’s burial.
“The deceased attended his son’s funeral when the suspect shot him in the back of the head.” SAPS spokesperson, Van Wyk, said. Consequently, the community caught and beat up the suspect to death when he attempted to flee. Authorities believe the attack was gang-related.
Grassy Park Shooting Leaves Five Victims
Grassy Park police are investigating one murder and four attempted murder cases after a Friday night shooting on Dove Road, Parkwood. A 52-year-old man died, and four others suffered gunshot wounds. Van Wyk stated that a suspect in a gray Polo fired randomly at victims before fleeing the scene. Gladly, some people took the injured to a medical facility for treatment.
Thursday Drive-By Shooting Adds to Violence
On Thursday evening, a drive-by shooting led to the death of a 42-year-old man. Police are treating the case as gang-related and have increased patrols in the area.
Community and Political Reactions
National Coloured Congress leader Fadiel Adams condemned the violence, emphasizing its impact on families. “Losing a son is tragic, but losing a father at his funeral due to gang violence is an indictment of where we are as a community,” he said. Adams criticized the lack of political will to curb gang violence and warned that 2025 could bring even more bloodshed.
Grassy Park CPF spokesperson Howard Downs expressed concerns about potential retaliatory attacks. “Gang violence follows a pattern. When one group is attacked, we expect reprisals,” he said. Community leaders are working with law enforcement to increase visible patrols and prevent further incidents.
Government Urges Action Against Illegal Firearms
Western Cape Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais condemned the killings and urged stricter measures against illegal firearms. “The ongoing gang violence is fueled by easy access to illegal guns. Police must act decisively against those terrorizing communities,” Marais said.
To stabilize the situation, the Public Order Police, Anti-Gang Unit, and Operation Shanela have been deployed in Ravensmead and Lotus River. Provincial detectives are assisting with ongoing investigations.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt. General Thembisile Patekile confirmed increased police presence in identified hotspots. Authorities urge residents to report gang activity and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.
See also: Inanda Shootout: Police hunt leave 3 dead, 2 on the run.
