Reporter – George April
Mitchells Plain – The sound of gunfire shattered the peace in Rocklands on Monday evening, leaving two men dead and two others wounded in what residents believe is yet another act of gang violence.
The shooting took place on an open field near the corners of Strandloper Street and Cedar Avenue, an area now scarred by the bloodshed. Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed the incident, stating that officers responded to a complaint and discovered the lifeless bodies of two males, aged 24 and 34. Both had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene.
Two more victims, aged 35 and 21, were also shot and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. The suspects fled in an unknown direction and, as of this report, remain at large. Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder and are investigating the motive, which they believe is gang-related.
Community leader and longtime Rocklands resident Linda Jones, voiced the deepening fear and frustration gripping the neighborhood.
“Rocklands has turned into a war zone,” she said. “We are warning people not to walk around the Strandloper area.” “It’s too dangerous.” “These shootings are happening too often, and we are not seeing any action from ministers or government departments.”
Jones, who has lived in Rocklands for over four decades, is calling for urgent attention to the area’s open spaces and dunes, which she says are being exploited by criminals. “The trauma experienced by residents, especially those living along this road, is unimaginable,” she added.
The incident sparked fierce online debate as well. A Facebook post by local resident Wilton Plaatjies, criticized what he sees as unequal media coverage, accusing outlets of focusing more on events like the Tokai fire, than on the gang violence devastating communities like Rocklands.
Plaatjies’ comments sparked heated arguments online, with many agreeing that communities like Mitchells Plain are often overlooked until tragedy strikes. When contacted, one resident explained that media can only report on what is shared by the public, yet fear often prevents people from speaking out.
Those with any information about Monday’s shooting are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS mobile app anonymously.
