Three young females including a teenager were shot in the head execution-style in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa on Monday evening, September 27.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), reports from the scene indicate that residents at the TT Block informal settlement recall hearing gunshots after 20:00.
Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, September 28, said police have instituted the 72-hour activation plan for the mobilisation of resources in search of the suspect who shot and killed the young women.
“Reports from the scene indicate that residents at the TT Block informal settlement recall hearing gunshots after 20:00. A few minutes later the bodies of young women aged 17, 20 and 21 were discovered in a passage between the shacks. The victims had all been shot in their heads,” Potelwa stated.
“As investigations into the murders continue, the motive for the shooting incident is yet to be determined.
“Anyone with information about the incident that could assist the police investigations is urged to contact police on Crime Stop 08600 10111 or submit information via My SAPS App. Information received will be handled in strict confidence.”
Friends have taken to social media to mourn two of the victims identified as Unam Bless and Malone Zaynee Skemper.
One Azola Lungile said Bless had a passion for dancing.
“What a tragedy that I’ve just heard now , a young talented female who had a passion of dancing and living her best life was shot to Death yesterday right after she posted how happy she is in her life , Unam Bless baby girl I so wish your family finds strength and wisdom to overcome this tragedy that has happened to you , Rest In Peace my love , you will forever be in our hearts and minds & may your beautiful soul finds peace andinawo namazwi kukothuka. Rest Easy my love.” she wrote.
Meanwhile, local media reported that Khayelitsha community has been rocked by gender-based violence and femicide over the past few months.
Recently, a memorial service was held for Nomandla Mthathi, 34, who was stabbed to death, allegedly by a friend of her boyfriend.
In August, a woman’s body, who had been set alight, was found near the Khayelitsha stadium.
In the same month, a Khayelitsha woman who stood for nomination as an ANC candidate for the City of Cape Town, Phumeza Nomzazi, was shot dead.
In June, a 79-year-old woman was raped, killed and torched inside her home.
Khayelitsha Development Forum chairperson Ndithini Tyhido told the Weekend Argus he was tired of being in a position where he had to condemn the shootings happening in the area.
“I am really tired now, unless we as the community rise up and defend our community. We have let our guard down and allowed criminals to be our equals,” Tyhido said.
See more tributes by friends below…
