Gang-related shooting in Freedom Park leaves two dead
Police tape cordons off the scene in Freedom Park, Ottery, after a gang-related triple shooting left two men dead and another injured in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Image: File
Three men were shot in Freedom Park, Ottery, early Saturday morning, reigniting concerns over gang violence in Cape Town. Two victims, aged 31, died at the scene, while a 38-year-old man was hospitalised with multiple gunshot wounds.
Residents of the Freedom Park informal settlement, situated along Woodlands Road, said they were woken up by the sound of gunfire shortly after 1am.
According to police, officers from Lansdowne SAPS responded to a shooting at around 01:05am at the corner of Mompane and Milkwood streets.
"Three males were shot and injured. Two males, both aged 31, died on the scene due to injuries sustained, while a 38-year-old male was taken to a medical facility for treatment. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body," said SAPS spokesperson, Captain Frederick Van Wyk.
Police have opened a docket for two counts of murder and one of attempted murder, with the motive believed to be gang-related.
On the ground, the brutality of the attack has shaken residents. One community member, who asked not to be named, described the aftermath: "One of the victims was shot through the back and the bullet came out through his stomach. It was very bad."
There is also unconfirmed speculation among residents that the two deceased men may have been brothers.
The same resident questioned the effectiveness of crime prevention measures in the area, saying: "If the City has put measures in place to try and curb and identify perpetrators, why not install cameras?"
The latest shooting comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise gang-affected communities on the Cape Flats. Police said the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation. Anyone with information has been urged to come forward.