Police in the Eastern Cape have launched a massive manhunt after five young men were shot dead and a sixth was injured during a violent attack at a Willowvale informal settlement on Tuesday night. The shooting occurred at about 9.51pm at an informal settlement known as Willowvale Extension 1, near Ematyotyombeni. Provincial police spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana said police responding to a shooting complaint went to a two-room flat in the settlement.
Five men aged between 17 and 22 were shot dead when gunmen allegedly kicked down the door of a flat in Willowvale and opened fire on Tuesday night. A sixth man, aged 30, was wounded in the attack, which prompted Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Vuyisile Ncata to visit the crime scene on Wednesday morning. The victims were found with multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.
Provincial police spokesperson Brig Nobuntu Gantana said Ncata later chaired an activation meeting with investigators and other police officers as police launched a manhunt for the killers. Gantana said police discovered four victims dead inside the two-room flat, while a fifth succumbed to his injuries en route to a medical facility. Investigators recovered numerous 9mm pistol cartridges and projectiles from the scene.
The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and the investigation continues. Cases of murder, five counts, and attempted murder are being investigated. Gantana said a preliminary investigation indicated three unknown gunmen had kicked open the door and opened fire on the victims before fleeing. The provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Investigation unit was informed and also attended the scene.
Police condemned the attack and extended their condolences to the families of those killed. Ncata’s visit was followed by a meeting with investigators and other police members aimed at ensuring the suspects were swiftly identified and arrested. The community has also condemned the latest wave of deadly gun violence, with Mbhashe Local Municipality urging "communities to work with law enforcement to ensure that the killers are brought to book".
Mbhashe Local Municipality spokesperson Babalwa Mangqwathi said the municipality was shocked and saddened by the senseless killings. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects. A reward has not been offered, but police are appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The Eastern Cape police are working to establish a motive for the shooting and bring the perpetrators to book. The incident has highlighted the growing concern of gun violence in the region, and police are under pressure to bring the culprits to justice. The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Key points
- Five young men aged between 17 and 22 were shot dead in a violent attack at a Willowvale informal settlement.
- The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, and the investigation continues.
- Police have launched a massive manhunt for the killers and are appealing for information from the community.
