The Manenberg community was once again left shaken after two teenage boys were killed in gang violence last Monday.
Manenberg police station spokesman, Captain Ian Bennett, said four men were also left seriously injured.
“Gang members came under fire in Rhone Walk when they were attacked by a rival gang. It is alleged that a lone gunman walked into Rhone Walk. He was approached by five men standing in Rhone Walk and fired several shots at them, fatally injuring a 16-year-old boy who is a member of a gang and seriously injuring four other males including an innocent bystander. The 17-year-old teen succumbed to his injuries in hospital,” he said.
Captain Bennett said that according to witnesses, the suspect then fled the scene on foot. A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened for investigation and no arrests have been made yet.
“Manenberg police and serious violent crimes detectives will work around the clock to ensure justice is served. An arrest is imminent as detectives follow up information leaving no stone unturned,” he said.
Manenberg community safety forum chairperson, Roegchanda Pascoe, said the dispute between the two gangs was a fight over missing guns and drug territory.
Last Friday, the forum held a meeting at the Verenigde Gereformeerde Kerk (VGK) in Manenberg where various speakers spoke about uplifting the area and putting an end to the ongoing crime and gang violence.
Ms Pascoe said gangsters need to be removed from the community and the only way possible is if the area is rebuilt.
“They need to throw down the flats and rebuild this area. They need to redevelop the area so that we can have control over it again. This area is cramped up, the flats are on top of each other and that is where the gangsters hide, in the alleys.”
Ms Pascoe said change in the area is possible but people are too afraid to stand up against gang violence.
“We are being held hostage in our own homes. What about our kids when they come from school, the shootings occurs then. Nothing is being done to help our people. Our whole environment is under destruction.”
Anyone with information regarding this shooting incident can contact Manenberg police station on 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.