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Cape Town - Mayhem has returned to Manenberg, just days after a convoy of SAPS, members of the SANDF and Metro police officers descended on the gang-infested Cape Flats community for a crackdown on drugs and guns.
On Saturday, a 52-year-old man was shot in both legs as he walked down Manenberg Avenue, provincial police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed to News24.
According to locals, he is an “innocent person” caught in crossfire.
Another man was apparently shot dead at a nearby garage hours earlier, while sporadic shots were fired throughout the day.
“Where is the army now?” a young mother asked another commuter at a bus stop near Duinefontein Road as gunshots rang out.
“When I left for work, my husband and children were lying on the floor of our lounge watching TV. He told them it’s a game and the prize for the person who manages to stay in that position the longest is R5,” she told News24.
“They don’t know their father is keeping them on the ground to ensure they aren’t hit by a stray bullet coming through the door or window.”
Thursday raid
During Thursday’s operation, homes were searched, resulting in three guns being confiscated and four suspects nabbed.
Loretta Mullins said hours after the army and police vehicles retreated, the familiar bangs resumed.
“The brazen skollies [thugs] run around with their guns in plain sight. They rule these streets. It’s going to take another couple of movie-style army raids to make them realise they are actually not above the law.”
On the Manenberg Gang Watch Facebook page, numerous gunshots were reported to have been fired near Silvertree Lane and Seine Walk at around 18:00.
This after two people were reportedly shot earlier on Saturday.
Locals confirm police were highly visible throughout the week, but are said to have their hands full.
