Community fears retaliation after gang-related killings in Manenberg

Three suspected Hard Livings gangsters were shot and killed in Manenberg, leaving the community living in fear of a retaliation.

According to the residents, the men aged 33,39, 35 and 41 years old respectively, were sitting in the sun and relaxing when a white vehicle pulled up and opened fire on the unsuspecting men on Thursday. 

Three men were shot dead and a fourth victim survived the attack and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

When the Cape Argus' sister publication, the Daily Voice arrived at the scene, the victims’ bodies were covered, lying metres away from each other in the road. One of the victims was found lying against a wall as he reportedly had only one leg and could not run away.

According to an eyewitness, a white Etios vehicle drove down Renoster Road with three men inside.

The witness recalled: “I thought it was an Uber car with three black occupants, but they were driving slow. 

“One had on a floppie and their windows were up, then I knew something was not right. I just heard multiple gun shots go off, and the car sped off. It sounded like they emptied the gun on them.”

Another resident added:  “These men belong to the HLs and they are a group who always sit in the sun. 

“I just heard gunshots go off and later found out that the three of them were shot. These gangs are fighting over turf, but once the police are gone then they are going to start shooting again and retaliate. 

“Every time when they do drive-by shootings then it is a different car, you can’t trust [anyone] anymore.

“We are dealing with a lot in Manenberg, if they are not throwing stones then it is this gun violence.”

Captain Ian Bennet, police spokesperson for Manenberg police station said that there are various gangs within the Manenberg community.

Bennet said: “Here is gang conflict within the Manenberg area. Here is various gangs operating within the community with different turfs. 

“Things are tense at the moment in Manenberg because of the different gangs and conflict.”

Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut said the matter is under investigation: “The South African Police Service [SAPS] in the Western Cape strongly condemns the senseless violence associated with gangsterism following a fatal shooting incident in Manenberg earlier.

“On Thursday, at approximately 11.35am, four men came under fire from unknown assailants who opened fire at them in Renoster Road, Manenberg, in what is believed to be a gang-related drive-by shooting. 

“Three victims, aged 33, 39, and  41, were fatally wounded, while a 35-year-old man sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“Detectives attached to the Anti-Gang Unit have initiated an investigation into the incident and are pursuing all leads to track down those responsible. The motive for the shooting is believed to be linked to ongoing gang conflict in the area."

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