The killing of four people in two days has polarised the community of KTC and entrenched fear among residents.
According to reports, two men were gunned down in Memani Street on Saturday 5 August. A 15-year-old reportedly died in hospital after being caught in the crossfire.
In a separate incident the next day (Sunday 6 August), the body of a woman was discovered in a shack in Section 5 informal settlement. Her death remains a mystery.
A resident, who identified himself as Lonwabo for fear of victimisation, said he and his family lived in fear. He appealed to the government to deploy more law-enforcement officers in the area. “KTC is becoming a war zone,” he said. “It is tense here. We are scared even to go at night. We need police visibility to patrol here.”
Lonwabo said the shootings would continue as long the community leaders did not dress the challenges. “Eish bra, akhomntu ufuna uthetha ngalento (no one wants to talk about the shooting). It seems everyone is scared. We are not safe. KTC is becoming rough.”
Ward 38 councillor Suzanne Zumana expressed her disappointment with crime in the area. She said crime had reached new highs.
Accompanied by some community leaders, Zumana said she had recently visited some of the grieving families.
“Crime is something that we need to address as community stakeholders,” she said. “It is getting out of hand now. And we are appealing to the community to work with the law-enforcement agencies to combat crime.”
Gugulethu Police Station Commander Brig Nokuthula Pete confirmed the incident, saying two men had died in the shooting.
She said it is alleged that the deceased were part of the extortionists.
“It is alleged there were other guys from Philippi who had come to collect money from the Somalian shops in KTC. The other group from KTC saw this and shot them. One of the deceased was from Philippi and the other from KTC.”
Pete added a young boy who was shot and injured by a stray bullet later died in hospital.
She said one of the deceased was found seated in the passenger seat of the car they were in, while the other lay a few metres away.
“A case of murder was opened. No arrests have been made and the officers are still investigating.”
