Seven teenagers from Hanover Park are in critical condition in various Cape Town hospitals after gunmen opened fire at a house party on Galilee Walk on Saturday night, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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Cape Town police have launched a manhunt for three suspects who fled the scene on foot after the attack.
Some parents of the victims, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, expressed their anger and fear, saying residents are no longer safe in their own homes.
One mother, whose 15-year-old son was shot seven times and is now in the intensive care unit at Groote Schuur Hospital, shared her disbelief that such a horrific act could happen in their community.
She described the pain of seeing her son bandaged in a hospital bed and hopes for his swift recovery.
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Another parent said his son was shot in the shoulder and stomach but has since undergone surgery to remove the bullets. He added that his son remains traumatised and in shock, struggling to comprehend what happened.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi reported that Philippi police were conducting crime prevention operations in Hanover Park when they received a call around 9pm on Saturday.
Upon arrival, officers found seven young victims, aged 14 to 18, with gunshot wounds. According to initial reports, a group of young people had gathered for a party when three unknown men opened fire, injuring seven of them. The suspects remain at large, and Philippi police are investigating seven counts of attempted murder.
This incident has once again highlighted the ongoing issue of gang violence and the widespread availability of illegal firearms on the Cape Flats.
Crime activist Lynn Phillips, a member of the Cape Flats Safety Forum, condemned the actions of gang members, calling their behaviour ‘pathetic’ and urging police to make swift arrests.
She stressed that children in these communities cannot even enjoy a party without fear of gun violence and called for greater efforts to remove illegal guns from the streets.
Western Cape Community Police Board spokesperson Justin Kumlehn emphasised that Hanover Park is struggling under the weight of gang violence, with lives being lost daily.
He called for law enforcement to intensify their efforts to combat the violence and urged the community to stand together against these criminal activities.
Following the shooting, police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed that additional law enforcement personnel have been deployed to Hanover Park to maintain order, and they will remain in the area until calm is restored.
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