An extortion-linked mass shooting that took place in Khayelitsha this past weekend has resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects who were nabbed in the wee hours of Monday, at a popular hotel in Sea Point.
Khayelitsha mass shooting: Suspects mugshots leaked
According to Western Cape police commissioner Major-General Thembisile Patekile, a 72-hour activation plan, which utilises all law enforcement resources, was initiated after 13 people were killed in a spate of shootings that were reported in different parts of Khayelitsha.
In a statement released by police, it’s claimed that at least nine people died instantly in a series of shootings that took place in Site B. Four more victims who were struck by the gunfire later succumbed to their respective injuries in hospital.
Another five victims are still recovering from serious wounds, Patelwa reported.
At this time, detectives involved in the mass shooting investigation have not revealed much about the evidence collected against the 11 suspects. However, there is growing confidence that they have the right group in custody.
In a Cape Times report, an anonymous witness claimed that there were about 15 masked men involved in the shootings. This opens up the possibility of four other suspects who may still be at large.
According to the witness, the armed gunmen infiltrated the marked areas in Site B, in search of a rival extortion gang that had allegedly taken out their leader.
At this time, Patelwa could not be baited into confirming this as a motive for the Khayelitsha mass shootings.
“We have moved from the unknown to the known. Persons of interest include possible suspects in the shooting due to a number of reasons, including that they were near the scene or were at the scene. The investigation will reveal what the motive was, but we are looking at the groups that have been working towards extortion in this area,” the commissioner added.
As soon as news of the mass shooting surfaced on social media, those with inside access to the investigation leaked mugshots of the 11 suspects who’ve been linked to the mass murders.
NOTE: Facial features of the suspects have been blurred to protect the investigation since the suspects are yet to appear before a court of law.
At this time, it is believed that the alleged killers are remanded in custody and should appear in court to register their respective murder charges.
This is a developing story.