Seven Killed In Western Cape Shootings As Police Launch Manhunt In Khayamandi

Seven people have died following a series of shootings in the Western Cape, with police now searching for suspects linked to the violent incidents in Khayamandi.

The shootings reportedly unfolded across different areas between Friday evening and Saturday morning. Detectives attached to the provincial serious violent crime unit have since launched an investigation into the attacks.

Western Cape Shootings Leave Seven Dead In Khayamandi

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said five separate shooting incidents were recorded during the period. Authorities are investigating whether the attacks are connected.

“The five incidents left seven people dead. Official police reports indicate that one incident occurred in Mgabadeli, where a 46-year-old man was shot and killed after he returned from work, allegedly by three gunmen who fled thereafter.”

Potelwa added that two more victims, aged 27 and 32, were shot in Thubelisha at around 9pm by unidentified gunmen.

Khayamandi Police Probe Multiple Fatal Shooting Scenes

In another incident, police discovered the bodies of a 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman inside a shack in Fire Street. Both victims had sustained gunshot wounds.

At about 9:10pm, officers on patrol were alerted to another crime scene in Luyolo Street. Police later found the body of a 33-year-old man between the shacks with gunshot injuries.

“In the early hours of Saturday morning, police were called out to 7th Avenue, where the body of a 37-year-old man was also discovered with gunshot wounds.”

SAPS Investigate Motive Behind Western Cape Shootings

Police said the motive behind the deadly shootings remains unclear. Detectives are continuing investigations to determine whether the killings are linked.

“The motive for the shooting incidents is the subject of the police investigation currently underway. The detectives are also probing whether the incidents are linked or not,” Potelwa said.

No arrests have been made so far. Police confirmed that the investigation remains active.

Meanwhile, police in Gauteng arrested five suspects linked to a hijacking and kidnapping case in the south of Johannesburg earlier this week. Another suspect was killed during a shootout with officers.

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Members of the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, working alongside Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, intercepted the suspects near the N12 and Xavier Road in Winchester Hills on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the operation followed the hijacking of a white Isuzu bakkie in Germiston, where the driver was allegedly kidnapped.

“During the interception, police identified additional vehicles believed to have been used by the suspects as convoy vehicles. Two suspects fled into nearby bushes and opened fire on police, resulting in a shootout.”

“One suspect was fatally wounded at the scene. The victim was rescued unharmed,” Sibeko said.