Five people were killed and three others wounded when gunmen opened fire on a group gathered at a residence in Blode Street, Lavender Hill, last night (October 24).

Police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said preliminary reports indicated that the eight victims had been drinking at the residence when unidentified gunmen entered and fired several shots indiscriminately.

Four men and a woman, aged between 21 and 33, were declared dead at the scene. An injured man and two women were taken to a medical facility for treatment.

According to the police, the attack is believed to be linked to gang violence.

The Anti-Gang Unit has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators. No arrests have been made, and police say they remain on high alert in the area.

Mass shootings across South Africa

The attack follows a series of deadly mass shootings reported across South Africa in September and October.

In September, gunmen opened fire at a tavern in Wedela near Carletonville, Gauteng, killing at least 17 people in the initial reports. The attack formed part of a spate of shootings that prompted renewed concern about gun violence and public safety.

Hours later, another mass shooting was reported at an entertainment venue in Lwandle, near Strand in the Western Cape. Ten people were initially reported killed and 11 injured.

In KwaMakhutha, south of Durban, 11 people were killed in a shooting at a house in the Ziko area in September. Three others were injured.

Cape Town shootings raise further concern

The latest Lavender Hill attack comes amid a series of shootings reported in Cape Town communities.

On October 6, two men were killed and a woman wounded in a suspected gang-related shooting in Lavender Hill. Steenberg police opened cases of double murder and attempted murder.

On October 10, two men were killed and another wounded in a suspected gang-related drive-by shooting in St Montague Village, Lavender Hill. In a separate incident that evening, a man and a 65-year-old woman were killed and another man wounded in Voel Street, Belgravia, Athlone.

In Gauteng, a shooting following a memorial service in Katlehong on 13 October, left four people dead and three others injured. Police investigated the circumstances surrounding the attack, including a possible political motive.

Police continue investigations

The latest attack in Lavender Hill adds to the number of deadly shootings reported in recent weeks, although the circumstances and suspected motives differ between incidents.

Police have not announced any arrests in connection with last night’s shooting.

Anyone with information about the attack can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip through the MySAPS mobile application

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.