But the killings continue on the Cape Flats
CCN Editor – George C April
Cape Town:- The election campaign may be over, but for many communities on the Cape Flats, the sound of gunfire has not stopped.
Another series of deadly shootings has claimed the lives of men and women in different communities, while residents continue to face the daily reality of gang violence, suspected extortion-related attacks and the fear of becoming the next victims.
In Philippi East, two women, aged 27 and 39, were found shot dead inside a shack in Marikana Informal Settlement on Monday.
Police responded to the scene and discovered both women with gunshot wounds to the head. The double murder is believed to be linked to ongoing extortion-related activities. Two counts of murder have been opened.
Later that same day, another shooting was reported in Ntlazane Road, Harare, Khayelitsha. One person was wounded, while a second victim later died from their injuries.
The violence continued into Tuesday night.
In Cafda, Steenberg, a 38-year-old man was shot dead in a suspected gang-related attack in Gordon Searle Street. A man and a woman were also injured during the shooting.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, preliminary reports indicate that the victims were standing in the road when occupants of a white Hyundai Getz opened fire before fleeing the scene.
The incidents paint a disturbing picture of communities where ordinary residents continue to live under the shadow of violence.
When the votes are counted, who remembers the communities?
During election campaigns, promises of safer neighbourhoods, better policing, employment opportunities and community protection feature prominently in political messages. But when the campaigning ends, and the political posters come down, residents are left with the same questions.
Who is taking responsibility for the ongoing violence?
What meaningful interventions are being implemented to protect communities affected by gang activity and extortion? And how long must residents continue to bury their loved ones while waiting for lasting solutions?
The police continue to investigate these incidents, but law enforcement alone cannot be the only answer. Communities need visible leadership, effective coordination between government departments, stronger prevention programmes and accountability from those entrusted with public safety.
As one community voice put it: “The politicians disappear, and the people keep dying.”
For families who have lost loved ones, these are not election statistics or political talking points. They are human lives, shattered families and communities living in fear.
The election may be over – The violence is not.
The names of the victims have not yet been released. This report is compiled from police information and community reports.
Investigations are ongoing.
CCN Online will continue to monitor developments and report on incidents affecting communities across the Cape Flats.