Six people were killed and another three seriously wounded in a bloody weekend of gang violence in Manenberg.
Indiscriminate shooting by the Americans, Clever Kids and Hard Livings gangs started early on Saturday October 14 and kept residents trapped in their homes, said Manenberg police spokesman Captain Ian Bennett.
“A woman was shot and killed in Greatfish Road at 2am. Then, at 5.45am, a 30-year-old man was killed in Scheldt Road. A 46-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were also injured in the Scheldt Road shooting,” he said.
“It is alleged that an opposing gang attacked the house in search of their intended target. As he was not there, they shot up the house, injuring the occupants.
“At 6am, a 26-year-old man was killed in Sabie Road. Just 45 minutes later, a 59-year-old woman was caught in the crossfire in Gail Court. She was hit in the upper leg as she looked to see what was happening.
“In a separate incident, two men with gunshot wounds were brought to the Heideveld hospital by unknown people. Both died of their injuries. It is not known where they were shot.
“On Sunday October 15, at 5.30am, a 34-year-old man was shot and killed in Irvine Road.”
Meanwhile, police have made several arrests for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Hanover Park and Philippi.
Just after midnight on Friday October 13, a 21-year-old man was arrested and a 9mm pistol and ammunition were confiscated in Rywood Road. The serial number of the pistol was removed, said Philippi police spokesman Captain Lance Goliath.
A 17-year-old was caught with a 9mm Vector pistol in Lansry Walk, Hanover Park, on Friday October 13, at about 5pm, according to Captain Goliath, who said the police were trying to trace the owner of the weapon.
Police arrested four men aged 26 to 34 after pulling over a white Toyota Corolla in Weltevrede Road, Philippi, at about 6.45am on Saturday October 14, and finding a 9mm Norinco pistol and bullets in the vehicle.
The gun’s serial number had been filed off, said Captain Goliath.
Later, at 1pm, police arrested a 40-year-old man at Augulus Court, Hanover Park, and confiscated a revolver with the serial number filed off and bullets.
The Anti-Gang Unit also arrested a 36-year-old man in Downwood Road, Hanover Park, for the illegal possession of a .38 Special revolver and ammunition on Friday October 13, at 7am. The serial number was still intact and according to Captain Goliath, it was reported stolen in September.
Call Philippi police station at 021 690 1504, Manenberg police at 021 699 9400 or Crimestop at 0800 10111 to report crime. Or use the MySAPS app.