From north to south, Gugulethu has become dangerous. The local CPF has called on people to report incidents and work with the police to fight crime.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Police are still investigating the killing of four men in Gugulethu. They said no one has been arrested yet.
Image: Phiri Cawe
The Gugulethu Community Policing Forum (CPF) fears that frequent killings might again grip the area.
Soon after Gugulethu stakeholders and the community marched the streets of the area, four men were gunned down at NY 3A section last Friday evening. According to the police report, the motive is not known.
However, CPF chairperson Deon Makiti fears that if the shooting was gang-related, more incidents might follow.
“It scares us. We do not know the motive and the police also do not know, but we assume that it might be gang-related. It is worrying. We have been in this state in Gugulethu two years ago where people were killed in numbers,” he said.
He said the people of Gugulethu do not want these senseless acts of violence and appealed to residents of Section 3A to tip-off the police about the perpetrators.
“We encourage residents to report to the police if they know anything, but we understand that people may be too scared. They can use the (Crime Stop) toll-free number,” said the shocked Mr Makiti.
Police spokesperson Colonel Andre Traut said police were called to the scene at NY 3A, where they found the bodies of the four men, all believed to be in their 20s, with multiple gunshot wounds.
Colonel Traut said: “Crime scene experts collected evidence, and all available clues are being followed up as part of efforts to track down the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”
He said the motive for the killings is still unknown. He added that the detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit have launched an investigation.
Residents of NY 3A said they are scared for the lives of their young people. Those who spoke to Vukani said there are criminal activities in the area but were not expecting such an incident to happen.
Asked why they do not report crime, most said they do not feel safe to do so.
One man said he was utterly shocked by what had happened. He said this might create more problems in the area. “I am lost for words. But staying in the township, it is not easy to report crime. People do not feel at ease to report because police are also untrustworthy. Until there is a trust between police and the community, crime will not be reported,” he said.
Police said anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit a tip-off anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.