According to Xinhua news agency, seven men aged between 20 and 30 were shot dead on the R53 in Philippi East, on the outskirts of Cape Town’s Cape Flats district, in what authorities described as a “senseless act of violence”.
Police in the Western Cape have launched a major manhunt following the shooting, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement on Saturday morning.
“Detectives with the state’s Major Violent Crimes Unit are in charge of this case and are following up on all leads to identify and arrest the perpetrators of this brutal attack,” the statement said.
“The Western Cape Police Department strongly condemns this senseless act of violence and has confirmed that it is prioritizing the investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice swiftly,” it added.
In a statement, Provincial Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekiru expressed concern at the level of violence and appealed to local residents to assist police by sharing information that could assist in the investigation.
“We need the community to work together to get those responsible to book appointments and get our neighborhoods back safe,” Patekil said.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear and no arrests have been made.
Master’s degree/PR