Key Takeaways
- A 9-year-old boy, Zechariah Matthee, was killed in a mass shooting in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, along with two other victims, Cleo Bailey, 19, and Mougsheen Daniels, 26.
- The shooting occurred on Tuesday evening when four unknown gunmen entered a house in Viscount Street and opened fire on the victims.
- Two other victims, aged 51 and 36, were wounded in the attack, with one suffering a broken arm.
- The police have launched an intensive manhunt and are pursuing several promising leads to track down the perpetrators.
- The community is being asked to assist by providing any information that may help advance the investigation.
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating mass shooting occurred on Tuesday evening in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain, resulting in the deaths of three people, including a 9-year-old boy. The attack took place in Viscount Street, where four unknown gunmen entered a house and opened fire on the victims. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents expressing concern about the rising levels of violence in the area. According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen were wearing masks and targeted the house, which is believed to be a hub for gang activity.
Eyewitness Accounts
A family member of the deceased, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the horrific scene she encountered when she returned home from a nearby shop. She explained that she heard gunshots and rushed back to her house, only to find her grandson, Zechariah, shot in the face and head. She also found her daughter, Cleo Bailey, and Mougsheen Daniels, shot in the head in a wendy house in the yard. The woman’s brother was also shot in the arm, which was broken in two. The eyewitness accounts paint a picture of a brutal and senseless attack, with the gunmen showing no regard for human life.
Community Concerns
The shooting has raised concerns among residents in the area, who claim that the house where the attack occurred is a problem spot. Neighbors have reported that the house is known to be a hideout for gangsters and has been the site of previous shooting incidents. One resident expressed frustration, stating that the house needs to be closed down, as it is a hub for gang activity. The resident also claimed that the Fancy Boys gang has been taking over the area, fighting with the community and intimidating residents. The community is calling for action to be taken to address the rising levels of violence and gang activity in the area.
Police Investigation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensive manhunt following the attack, with detectives from the Anti-Gang Unit assigned to the investigation. Police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut confirmed that the police are pursuing several promising leads to track down the perpetrators. The police are calling on community members to assist by providing any information that may help advance the investigation. Residents can share information anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS mobile application. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, as they work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Aftermath and Response
The shooting has left the community in shock, with many residents expressing outrage and sadness at the senseless loss of life. The police have increased their presence in the area, with several police vans and officers deployed to search for evidence and take statements from witnesses. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims, with many offering condolences and assistance. The incident has highlighted the need for urgent action to address the rising levels of violence and gang activity in the area, and the community is calling for a comprehensive response from law enforcement and government agencies to address the root causes of the problem.