Minister Fritz to conduct oversight at Mitchells Plain SAPS

Minister Fritz to conduct oversight at Mitchells Plain SAPS following mass shootings

The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, is deeply angered by the spate of mass shootings in the Cape Flats, noting that yet another shooting incident took place in Maureen Way, Tafelsig today. The incident claimed four lives and injured one. In response to the spate of shootings, Minister Fritz will conduct an oversight visit at the Mitchells Plain SAPS and visit the families of the deceased.

At the time of the incident, the deceased were sitting in front of the residence. It is reported that two suspects arrived in two vehicles. The suspects then proceeded to open fire at the victims, killing four at the scene. The fifth victim was taken to Mitchells Plain District hospital.

Minister Fritz said, “I will be visiting Mitchells Plain following the spate of mass shootings over the weekend. Additionally, the Department of Community Safety will be expediting the rollout of additional law enforcement and violence prevention efforts through the establishment of Area Based Teams (ABT) in communities most affected by violent crime.”

This follows a shooting incident on 25 February 2021, on the corner of Cadillac and Riley Streets in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain whereby several children were shot. The incident is currently under investigation by Mitchells Plain SAPS. It is reported that the occupants of a white vehicle opened fire at the victims.

Minister Fritz said, “I was disgusted to hear yet again of a shooting which took place today at 12:15 noon, claiming the lives of four and injuring one in Maureen Way, Tafelsig. The victims were aged 30, 36, 37 and 64 years old and were shot at close range. We have seen a spate of mass shootings over the past weekend which are deeply concerning.”

In a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl was caught in the crossfires of a gang-related shooting on Friday night in Lotus River while reportedly sitting outside her home. 

Minister Fritz said, “I have been informed that SAPS in the Western Cape are taking a multi-disciplinary approach to clamping down on those involved and are utilizing resources from the Anti-Gang Unit, Visible policing, detectives, among others. Further that four cases of murder have been opened and one case of attempted murder.”

Minister Fritz added, “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of all the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured victim. SAPS in the Western Cape must leave no stone unturned in their investigations and ensure that arrests are made swiftly.

Minister Fritz concluded, “At the same time, I call on members of the community who may have knowledge which can assist SAPS in their investigation to immediately come forward and report such either to their local SAPS, by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or using the TipOff function on the MySAPS cellphone application.”