Two children and an adult were killed in a brutal shooting at a barbershop in Khayelitsha, with three other children injured.
Khayelitsha barbershop shooting: Here’s what we know so far
Cape Town police spokesperson Colonel Andrè Traut stated that detectives from the provincial Violent Crimes Unit are actively investigating the incident.
From what they know so far, unknown gunmen entered the premises and opened fire, killing two children, aged 11 and 12, and a 30-year-old adult.
Three other juveniles, aged between 11 and 15, were injured and have been hospitalised for treatment. The suspects fled the scene and remain at large.
Is this an extortion ritual?
While the exact motive for the barbershop shooting remains unclear, there is speculation that it could be related to extortion activities prevalent in Cape Town townships.
Extortionists have been known to target small businesses, demanding protection fees and using violence to enforce their demands.
This incident has raised concerns about whether it was an act of intimidation or retribution linked to such criminal activities.
The ongoing investigation will explore all possible angles, including the potential connection to extortion.
Similar incidents in the past have seen businesses and individuals being targeted for refusing to pay protection money, leading to violent consequences.