There have been multiple mass shootings reported in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. In March, four people were shot dead in KwaZakhele and New Brighton in Nelson Mandela Bay, a month after eight people were gunned down at a house party in the same area. On 29 January, three women and four men died from bullet wounds at a house party on Maqanda Street in KwaZakhele. An eighth person died later in hospital. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomathemba Mene has called for the speedy arrest of those responsible for the death of two people and the injury of another in Bethelsdorp last night, 22 June 2023.

SHOOTING

At about 18:15 that evening, police attended to a complaint of a shooting in Lawrence Erasmus Drive in Bloemendal where two males were found lying on the ground. "One male, Justin Malgas aged 25-year-old was deceased. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds while the other victim, aged 26-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to his head and arm. He was taken to hospital for treatment," the police say. "The third victim, Kurtley Rossouw, aged 14-year-old was also shot in his back. He succumbed to his injuries while on his way to hospital."

GAND RELATED

It is alleged that three males were walking in Lawrence Erasmus Drive when shots were fired at them from a Silver Renault vehicle. "Malgas died on the scene while one victim was taken to hospital and the third victim ran away. The teenager, Kurtley Rossouw who was outside his yard, was fatally hit by a stray bullet," The police add. The incident is said to have been gang-related and the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation (Gang Investigation) is investigating two counts of murder and one attempted murder case. "Police are appealing to anyone who can assist in the investigation in tracing the suspects to contact SAPS Bethelsdorp on 041 404 3010 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous." Lieutenant General Mene is making a clarion call to the communities to assist police in tracing and arresting the suspects. "It is sad when children become victims of crime. It is not only gang members that are shot but innocent bystanders and law-abiding citizens also pay the price due to gang violence. I urge the communities not to turn a blind eye to these serious crimes, instead work with us to ensure that these criminals are put behind bars, where they belong."