News24 | Six people shot in Philippi East as extortion violence escalates

Two men were killed and four others injured in a shooting in Lower Crossroads, Philippi East, on Sunday evening.

• Two men were killed and four others injured in a shooting in Lower Crossroads, Philippi East, on Sunday evening.
• Police say the attack is believed to be linked to extortion.
• Community leaders warned that gangs, including those allegedly operating from prison, are fuelling the violence.

Six people were shot in Lower Crossroads, Philippi East, in Cape Town on Sunday evening, leaving two men dead and four others seriously injured.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, said officers were called to a crime scene in Ngqabe Street, where they discovered the victims with gunshot wounds.

“Police members responded to a complaint of a shooting at the mentioned address, and upon arrival on the scene, they found the victims with gunshot wounds to their bodies,” said Twigg.

Two men, aged 35 and 39, were shot dead, while four others, aged between 25 and 32, were injured.

“The motive for the attack is believed to be extortion-related. The unknown suspects are yet to be arrested,” Twigg added.

Just three weeks ago, men pretending to be police officers stormed a home in the area, killing three people and injuring one. The suspects claimed they were searching for something, but opened fire on the occupants once they gained entry.

The local Community Policing Forum (CPF) said the latest incident highlights the growing grip of gangsterism in Philippi East.

“A lot of young people are now into gangsterism,” said a CPF member, speaking under condition of anonymity.

“We are not sure if a new gang is taking over from the previous one or if the gang leaders are running the show from behind bars. Police visibility alone will not assist if the same people have access to cellphones while in jail.”

READ | Bloody Western Cape weekend: 10 killed in shootings, stabbings

Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously.

Last month, News24 joined national correctional services commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale during an unannounced raid at Pollsmoor Prison. Dozens of contraband items, including cellphones and drugs, were confiscated.

WhatsApp conversations uncovered on one of the phones showed alleged communication between inmates and suspected gangsters outside prison.