Police in the Western Cape have begun an intense manhunt after seven men were shot dead in Philippi East, Cape Town, on Friday night. The victims, aged between 20 and 30, were gunned down along Road 53 in the Better Life area.
Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have been assigned to investigate the massacre and are following multiple leads to find those behind the attack.
“This senseless act of violence has been strongly condemned,” said police spokesperson Colonel André Traut, adding that the case has been made a top priority to ensure the suspects are swiftly brought to justice.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile urged residents to come forward with any information that could help the investigation. “Community cooperation is crucial to restoring safety in our neighborhoods,” he said.
The killings come just days after another shooting in Gugulethu, where three men were gunned down in the Lotus informal settlement. That incident also triggered a police manhunt, as investigators search for links between the attacks.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the Philippi East shooting to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app. All information will be treated confidentially.