Minister Fritz condemns shooting at Khayelitsha illegal drinking establishment

PRESS RELEASE BY ALBERT FRITZ

WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF COMMUNITY SAFETY

Date: 9 March 2020

Release: immediately

Minister Fritz condemns shooting at Khayelitsha illegal drinking establishment

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, condemns in the strongest terms the reported shooting which led to the death of six individuals at an illegal drinking establishment in Site C, Khayelitsha, early Sunday morning.

A body of a 34-year old victim was discovered last night. SAPS were called upon after a body was discovered near Sunday morning’s crime scene. The body is believed to be that of the owner of the house where the shooting incident took place. They were allegedly present during the shooting and are believed to have fled during the attack.

The incident on Sunday morning was reportedly perpetuated by a group of unidentified men who entered the establishment and began shooting at random. Five individuals succumbed to their wounds on the scene and the seven who were wounded were taken to hospital. Of the seven injured was a six-year-old girl. One victim passed away in hospital. 

Minister Fritz said, “I condemn in the strongest terms the shooting which led to the death of six individuals on Sunday morning at an illegal drinking establishment in Site C, Khayelitsha.  I further wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones because of this shooting. Too often, we see such reported incidences, the last of which took place in Khayelitsha on 22 January 2020 where six suspects entered the premises, shooting and killing four victims.”

In a written question from Reagen Allen MPL to the Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz on 7 February 2020, it was highlighted that there have been 15 such cases over the past 24 months. The motives behind such mass shootings included:

• Arguments (5)
• Intergang conflict (3)
• Revenge (1)
• Robbery (2)
• Motive unknown (4)

Minister Fritz said, “Through the written question, SAPS further revealed that there are similarities in the modus operandi of the 15 identified cases in that the victims were all patrons of the taverns where the shootings occurred. At the time the answers were received, these matters were still under investigation to identify further possible motives for the shootings.”

Minister Fritz added, “I welcome SAPS announcement that a 72-hour action plan has been activated for the arrest of the unidentified gunmen. SAPS have reported that a process to identify all victims and inform their next of kin is underway. It is my hope that the SAPS’ investigation will bring the necessary relief to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones during this difficult period. I urge anyone with information that could assist in investigation to urgently report such to their local SAPS station or to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

Attention broadcasters, please find link to English audio clip here: https://clyp.it/knzeg3si