By Phumzile Feni
Three bodies sprawled on a pavement, weeping relatives and police tape near a day care centre painted a disturbing scene in Khozi Street, Motherwell, on Thursday.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said a manhunt had been launched for the suspects linked to the deadly shooting which occurred in NU3 at noon.
She said it was alleged that unknown armed men were in the street when they fired several shots, killing three people.
The names of the victims are being withheld out of respect for their families, who, by the time of publication, had not all been informed.
“The motive is unknown at this stage, and circumstances surrounding the incident form part of the investigation,” Mawisa said.
Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene condemned the killings.
“We wish to express our abhorrence for such blatant and reckless disregard for human life.
“Our dedicated investigators are currently on the ground, utilising all available resources and intelligence to identify and apprehend those responsible,” she said.
When The Herald arrived at the scene at about 2pm, a large crowd had gathered around the perimeter.
A distraught brother of one of the victims said he was informed of the tragedy while at work.
“When I was told, I quickly came to the scene,” the man said.
“I still don’t understand what happened … but that’s my brother lying there.”
Tears welled up in his eyes as he described his brother, who ran a jikeleza taxi business in the area.
“He was a good man, a pillar of the community.
“This house, right here where he’s lying, was his home.”
The victim’s cousin said she was too emotional to speak.
Community activist Pamela Mabini said the shooting was a tragic reminder of the impact of illegal firearms on the community.
“The increasing number of shootings has shaken our faith in law enforcement’s ability to combat this issue,” she said.
“It’s disheartening that people are losing faith in our law enforcement but then it’s not surprising when there is an increase in violent crime.
“We as a community don’t feel safe in our own spaces and this is already out of our hands.
“It proves that we are on our own. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
Mawisa said police appealed to anyone with information that could assist in tracing the suspects to contact detective Captain Monde Sithole of the provincial serious and violent crimes unit on 082-457-2812 or call the SAPS CrimeStop number, 08600-10111.
Daily Kasi News 