In a devastating act of violence, a mass shooting in a Khayelitsha barbershop has claimed the lives of three children and left several others injured. The Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, has called on the police to apprehend the culprits without delay.
The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, June 8th, at around 4 pm, when unknown gunmen entered the barbershop and opened fire on the occupants. According to the provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut, two children aged 11 and 12, along with a 30-year-old adult, were killed at the scene.
Three other children were rushed to the hospital. A 5-year-old child succumbed to their injuries and passed away. The suspects, having perpetrated this heinous act, fled the scene and remain at large.
MEC Allen, visibly shaken by the tragedy, described the incident as “horrific” and “deeply disturbing.” He emphasized the senseless nature of the murders, particularly the loss of young lives. “These heartless criminals have absolutely no regard for life,” Allen said, calling for a swift and thorough investigation.
The provincial police have launched a manhunt, with the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit leading the investigation. MEC Allen has urged the police to employ every available resource to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
“We need to ensure that they are swiftly arrested so that a conviction can follow. Life should never be this cheap,” Allen stated, appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.
This senseless act of violence has shaken the Khayelitsha community and the broader Western Cape region. As the authorities work tirelessly to uncover the motives and apprehend the suspects, the call for justice and an end to such tragedies echoes across the province, underscoring the urgent need to address the scourge of gun violence and safeguard the lives of the most vulnerable.
