Last night in Mitchells Plain, a violent mass shooting at a tavern on Stratus Street, Rocklands, resulted in three deaths and six injuries, sparking a high-level police investigation into the gang-related motives behind the incident.
What we know about the Mitchells Plain tavern shooting
In a statement, police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut revealed that at around 19:30, two unidentified gunmen targeted a group of men between the ages of 29 and 46 who were hanging out at the tavern.
The attackers opened fire, killing three men instantly at the scene and injuring six others, who were subsequently rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Detectives from the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are actively investigating the shootings, which are believed to be connected to ongoing gang conflicts in the area.
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Eyewitness accounts from the Mitchells Plain tavern incident
Eyewitnesses Swisher Post spoke to in anonymity described the scene as chaotic and terrifying as the gunmen indiscriminately fired at the patrons.
The suddenness of the attack left little room for the victims to seek cover.
Patrons who survived the ordeal recounted moments of panic and helplessness as they tried to assist the injured while awaiting emergency services.
The community has expressed profound shock and fear, as this incident is one of the deadliest in recent months attributed to gang violence.
Police response and community impact after the shooting
In response to the shooting, law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive manhunt for the suspects, who were last seen fleeing the scene.
The area around Stratus Street and adjacent neighbourhoods have seen an increased presence of police and other operational forces to prevent further violence and possible retaliatory attacks.
The police have urged the community to remain calm and have called for anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist by contacting Crime Stop or using the MySAPS app anonymously.
“Any person who can shed light on the matter, or who can assist police with information is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by using the mobile application, MySAPS anonymously,” Col. Traut said.
