Four people have been arrested in connection with seven murders that occurred in separate incidents in Vrygrond, Capricorn, last week.
Over a three-day weekend, from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October, seven people were shot dead in gang and taxi related violence.
Last week, residents held a prayer circle in the wake of the murders that rocked the area.
Ward 45 councillor Mandy Marr, who joined the gathering, said the community was still traumatised from the shootings.
“Many people didn’t leave their homes. It’s school holidays and some of the holiday programmes had to be shut down temporarily. I’ve been contacted by many scared residents, and my advice to them was to please stay indoors if possible.”
She added that service delivery to the area was delayed until it was safe for contractors to return.
“As for service delivery from the City, this has resulted in a delay in refuse collection, as well as some of the contractors ceasing work, so those projects will be delayed. I’ve advised them that the area is safe again for them to resume work.
“Zaid from Butterfly Art Project has offered to assist with trauma therapy, so anyone needing assistance in dealing with this can go directly to them for assistance.”
Meanwhile in a statement Western Cape Minister of police oversight and community safety Reagen Allen said it was “mind boggling” that there was so little regard for life.
“The killing of five people in Vrygrond between 30 September and 1 October makes absolutely no sense.
“Police informed me that these are sporadic incidents of violence between gang members and taxi operators. I commend police and all law enforcement agencies for their swift action in the area and ensuring that four suspects could be arrested. A further three are being questioned.”
Allen further added it was concerning that innocent people could become caught in the crossfire.
“My further concern is that this will have a major impact on commuters who have to use taxis, and worse still innocent people can be caught in the crossfire. We do not want to have a situation where innocent people are injured or killed.
“I also urge community members, who might have information about other individuals who are involved in these shootings, to make it available to police, so that these bandits can be removed from our communities. We refuse to be held ransom by those who choose to not live within the confines of the law.”
