Khayelitsha killings: Six dead, one wounded in latest mass shooting

Police have released details surrounding yet another horrific mass shooting incident in Khayelitsha in the Western Cape on Saturday evening that left seven men dead and one in critical condition, confirming on Sunday 31 January that a manhunt has been launched in order to locate those responsible. 

This is the latest in a spate of mass shooting incidents to take place in the informal settlement, with six men killed and four others wounded when gunmen opened fire on people in a house in Khayelitsha in September 2020, also in Site C, and in March 2020, six people were killed during a shooting at a home in Khayelitsha.

Gunmen open fire on shack occupants

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said in a statement that three suspects remain at large and are the subject of the 72-hour activation plan. 

“As part of an investigation into the murder of six Khayelitsha men, Western Cape provincial detectives have launched a manhunt for three suspects,” she said. 

“The investigation follows an incident where the assailants shot and killed five men, seriously wounding two in a shack at the PJS informal settlement on Saturday evening. The two injured victims were taken to a medical facility where the sixth victim later died.”

SAPS launch manhunt for Khayelitsha killers  

Potelwa said that the victims were between the ages of 29 and 36-years-old, and were inside a friend’s home at the PJS informal settlement when at approximately 19:30 three armed suspects entered the shack and started shooting.

“Police have intensified the search for the suspects as the 72-hour activation plan for the mobilisation of resources was activated,” she said. 

“Anyone who has information that will help in expediting the police investigation, is urged to contact the police on 08600 10111 or utilise the My SAPS App. All information received will be handled in strict confidence.”

Police are also investigating a triple murder after a fatal shooting incident took place in Ravensmead, Cape Town, in which the lives of two 16-year-old teenagers and a 45-year-old man were claimed on Friday 29 January 2021.