Women’s month ends with deadly shootings in Mitchells Plain

Crime fighters are condemning the killing of two women in Mitchell's Plain who were shot and killed as Women’s Month drew to an end.

The two women, aged 44 and 49, were shot and killed while walking in Steenberg Street, Eastridge, on Saturday around 10:41pm when they came under attack in a hail of bullets by five unknown gunmen.

Police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi, said Mitchell's Plain police are investigating two counts of murder.

The suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Etios, which was parked nearby.

"The motive for this attack is believed to be gang related,” said Swartbooi. 

Fight Against Crime South Africa said that as Women’s Month drew to a close, they recorded 14 women who were shot and killed.

One woman had her neck slit and another woman was burned out, among other gruesome incidents.

“The surge in deadly shootings including the tragic killing of two women proves once again that the Cape Flats remains under siege. Families are grieving while gunmen operate with impunity.

"The fight against crime in areas like Mitchell's Plain and beyond is severely hampered by inadequate resources and personnel, coupled with the rampant flow of ammunition into the Western Cape.

"SAPS and authorities seem unable to tackle gang violence especially gun related crimes. Women’s Month ended with a disturbing number of female victims in gang-related shootings with cases often going cold due to a lack of witnesses, leaving families without justice or closure.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or alternatively use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

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Cape Argus