In the wee hours of Wednesday, 17 April 2024, the Khayelitsha community of Harare was shaken by brutal mass shootings that resulted in the deaths of eight individuals.
Khayelitsha mass shooting: Harare reeling from Ncumu Street massacre
The scene on Ncumu Street was grim as first responders found four males and one female, each with fatal gunshot injuries.
The identities of these victims have not yet been released as forensic teams work to provide conclusive identifications.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut, this tragic event seems to be connected to three other murders that occurred hours earlier in the same area, one of which involved a man who was shot and killed under mysterious circumstances.
The proximity and timing of the two shootings suggest a possible link, though authorities have yet to confirm their relationship explicitly.
“The motive for the attack on the victims is not yet known and an appeal for public assistance is made,” Traut added.
What we know about the suspects
Specialist detectives have been roped in to assist with tracking down the assailants responsible for the Harare murders.
At this time, very little is known about the suspects.
In response to the escalating violence, Western Cape CPF Chairperson Francina Lucas, speaking to EWN, vocalised a strong plea to the government to enhance safety measures for community volunteers and local residents.
Lucas stressed the need for increased protection and resources, stating:
“We are doing this because we love our communities and we want a safer environment for our kids, but it cannot be at the detriment of ourselves.”