Mchunu calls for immediate action on Western Cape mass killings
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has urged police leadership to abandon routine strategies and deploy all available resources in response to the latest wave of mass killings in the Western Cape. This follows the deaths of 13 people in separate incidents over the past week.
On Saturday, seven men were fatally shot in an ambush at a residence in Kanana, Gugulethu. Just days later, police discovered three more bodies at different locations in nearby Samora Machel. Earlier in the same week, three suspected hijackers were killed in a shootout in Nyanga during a foiled hijacking attempt.
Mchunu described the situation in the Cape Flats as dire, warning, 'It is as if we have to choose between the people and the murderers; we actually do not have a choice.'
In response, Mchunu confirmed that the Western Cape police have launched a chase for the Gugulethu shooting suspects. He said the unknown perpetrators must be tracked down as part of Operation Shanela 2, an intensified strategy rolled out last Friday.
The operation focuses on murder, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and gender-based violence. It draws on coordinated efforts between SAPS task teams, intelligence units, and various levels of government.
'The situation requires full implementation of what the ministry and management have discussed and concluded over a considerable period of time now,' said Mchunu.
The minister did not mince words, calling parts of the Cape Flats 'the killing fields' of the province. He warned against normalising the violence: 'What the police ministry and police top management must refuse to do is to treat this as a normal trend and keep the normal methods of policing in place.'
He called on the national police commissioner to mobilise every available resource: 'We urge the national commissioner and his team to activate and unleash all police resources to confront criminality and criminals.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
29 minutes ago
- The Star
Police Minister calls for an end to speculation about National Commissioner Masemola's arrest
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has called for speculation to cease after reports of National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola's imminent arrest. Reports claim Masemola faces possible arrest for authorising the irregular purchasing of buildings. It is alleged that the irregular procurements for Crime Intelligence buildings amounted to more than R120 million. In a statement released on Sunday, Police Ministry spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi, stated they had not been made aware of any impending arrest. Mogotsi said the Police Ministry has also noted the response from the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on this speculation. The IDAC and the National Prosecuting Authority stated they have no intention of arresting or obtaining any arrest warrant for the National Police Commissioner. 'We plead with the media to avoid any speculation on this as speculation of this nature has an adverse impact on the named person and also has an effect of destabilising the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS),' Mogotsi said. According to City Press, the Crime Intelligence secret service account is allocated more than R600 million annually. This money is used to pay police informants nationwide in exchange for information about criminal syndicates and criminal activities. However, there is little to no security on how the money is used. [email protected] IOL
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
SASCO demands Nkabane's removal over SETA, NSFAS scandals
The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has intensified pressure on Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, demanding her immediate removal over concerns about poor leadership and controversial appointments to key education bodies. Speaking at the ANC's Luthuli House on Sunday, SASCO president Alungile Kamtshe launched a scathing critique of Nkabane, accusing her of incompetence and arrogance. He said SASCO would use the next 30 days to outline seven grievances against the minister. 'This minister has undermined the public intelligence,' Kamtshe declared. 'She's the only one that's clever; everyone is stupid, but to the observation by South Africans, it is clear that this minister is not fit for office.' Kamtshe also criticised Nkabane's refusal in Parliament to reveal the advisory panel responsible for appointing Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) board chairs. The controversy, coupled with allegations of politically driven appointments, has raised concerns about governance in the sector. Opposition parties and education stakeholders accuse Nkabane of appointing ANC-linked individuals to key roles within SETA, leading to operational delays and weakening accountability structures. The Democratic Alliance and others have submitted complaints to the Office of the Public Protector. Kamtshe urged swift action on SETA board appointments, warning of the dangers of prolonged delays. 'Every minute that there is a delay in appointing these boards, it provides SETA executives with unfitted powers due to minimal accountability,' he said. SASCO also called for a complete overhaul of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board, alleging corruption and improper procedures in its formation. 'We declare that the board is illegal, considering its appointment has been flawed throughout,' Kamtshe said. Kamtshe appealed directly to the higher education portfolio committee, urging them to defend students' interests. 'We call upon the portfolio committee members to take the NSFAS board matter into serious regard and take the students' interests and place them at the centre,' he stated. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Two dead, child injured in Ekurhuleni shack fire
A tragic shack fire in the early hours of Sunday morning has claimed two lives in Nigel, Ekurhuleni, including that of a two-year-old child. The victims were burned beyond recognition and declared dead at the scene after their remains were discovered in the charred debris. The fire broke out before dawn, catching the family off guard while they were asleep. An eight-year-old child managed to escape the shack fire with minor burn injuries and was rushed to Pholosong Hospital for medical attention. Ekurhuleni Emergency Services responded to the call and found the shack on fire. Community members had already started attempting to extinguish the fire using buckets of water. Firefighters quickly controlled the fire and initiated a search and recovery operation. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, but early indications point to a heating device being the possible source. As temperatures continue to drop, officials have warned residents to be extra cautious when using heating and lighting appliances in informal settlements. 'Communities are reminded to use heating appliances with caution during this winter as many of these incidents can be avoided by making sure that all this heating and lighting devices are attended to when in use,' said Maswati Ndluli, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni's Emergency Management Services. Incidents like this are a recurring concern during winter in Gauteng, where illegal electricity connections and unsafe heating methods frequently result in deadly fires. Emergency services have urged residents never to leave heaters, candles, or open flames unattended and to install smoke detectors where possible, even in informal structures. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
