Three children and one adult male were shot dead, while two other minors sustained injuries after a fatal shooting took place at a barbershop in Khayelitsha on Saturday afternoon.
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According to police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, the 30-year-old man along with two of the children, aged 12 and 11, were shot dead shortly after unknown gunmen opened fire inside the barbershop in Gqrwarha Street at around 4pm.
Three other juveniles, aged between five and 15 sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment.
‘A five-year-old boy later succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning,’ said Traut. ‘The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be apprehended.’
While the motive for the triple murder is yet to be determined, detectives attached to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen described the incident as ‘horrific’ and called for the swift arrest of those responsible, reported News24.
Meanwhile, Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) Chairperson Monde Nqulwana told the publication that the issue of attacks on small businesses, particularly in the Site C area of Khayelitsha has been a cause for concern.
‘All these are linked to unknown gangs that are continuing to fight among themselves. However, it is very unfortunate because, in many instances, this affects people who are not part of the gangs.’ said Nqulwana, who urged the police to bring the suspects to book.
‘As KDF, we want to see a Khayelitsha that is safe for investments, businesses and for the community of Khayelitsha to feel safe,’ he added.
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Picture: Tom Def / Unsplash