Vrygrond residents in Capricorn have described the area as a “warzone” as multiple people were shot dead during a bloodbath weekend.
In a Facebook post, Anelisa Maqashu wrote that Capricorn had turned into a ghost town as three people were shot on Friday night.
“My Capricorn has turned into a ghost town…it’s not a busy place as it used to be on weekends…people are very scared.
“Hope all those who went to church has put our community in serious prayers because that’s what this place needs right now.”
Provincial police spokesperson Capt Frederick Van Wyk confirmed the multiple shootings in Vrygrond over the weekend, saying they could be gang-related.
“On Friday 30 September at about 22:00, Muizenberg police attended a shooting incident in Neville Riley Road, Vrygrond.
“With their arrival on the scene they discovered the bodies of two males aged 34 and 30.
“The two deceased had both suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Both males are known members of a gang grouping.”
He added that the motive for the shootings could possibly be gang related.
Just hours later, police responded to another shooting incident, this time in Drury Road.
“On 1 October at about 06:30 Muizenberg police members responded to a shooting incident in Drury Road, Vrygrond.
“With their arrival on the scene they discovered the body of a deceased male aged 30.
“The deceased was located inside a mini bus taxi and had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The deceased was a taxi driver.”
Van Wyk added that police were yet again called on Saturday after reports of another victim.
“At about 17:00 Muizenberg police proceeded to a medical facility after receiving a report of a person that was shot in Apple Road, Vrygrond.
“On arrival at the hospital they were shown the body of a 28-year-old male who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
“The deceased was allegedly shot at his residence in Apple Road at about 16:10.
“Whilst responding to the above incident, which occurred at a premises in Apple Road, officers discovered the body of a 40-year-old male laying in Apple Road.
“The deceased had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and is a known gang member. The shooting occurred at about 16:30, and is possibly linked to the incident earlier at Apple Road.”
The shootings did not stop there as police were called to another scene on Sunday 2 October.
“At about 15:45 members of Muizenberg police responded to a shooting incident at the Vrygrond taxi rank in Berg Road, Vrygrond.
“With their arrival on the scene they discovered the bodies of two deceased males. Both deceased had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead on the scene.
“A 15-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl were also injured during the incident and went to a local medical facility for treatment. The identity and age of the deceased is still being determined. A double murder and two attempted murder dockets have been opened.”
“A 72-hour Activation Plan has been ordered for the arrest of the suspects Anyone with any information about these fatal shooting incidents is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
Residents reacted on social media.
According to Yvonne Asien Manda, in a social media post, she saw a vehicle being stoned at the side of the road on Friday night.
“I saw a Toyota Etios being stoned last night. Beside the road were two dead persons.”
Commenting on the incidents Earnie Mas wrote: “Drove into Capricorn just now, I have never seen that place so quiet like today.”
Meanwhile, Louise Philips claimed that the violence was due to gangs in the area.
“I heard it is something to do with the taxi and gangsters.
“Please people, I pray for safety for all of your family, kids and friends. Be safe out there.”
Michele Phillips urged residents to be careful.
“Please be vigilant no matter the areas you go. Saw in a group that they are shooting all over.”
Founder of Where Rainbows Meet Training and Development Mymoena Scholtz, who is situated in Vrygrond, said she heard about two people who were shot.
“Not sure what is happening but two people were shot. Not even sure what it is all about. Please people be careful.”
