A horrific incident unfolded in Betterlife kasi, Philippi, Cape Town, on Friday, February 7, when five men were brutally murdered in a chilling attack. The men were shot while sitting inside a Toyota Avanza, and their bodies were set alight shortly after the shooting. The tragic crime has left the community in shock, grappling with fear and uncertainty. Witnesses described the gunfire as intense, with the sounds of heavy firearms echoing through the area just before sunset, while children played nearby.
The violence did not stop with the five victims— a woman walking home from work was struck by a stray bullet during the attack. Local residents recalled hearing multiple gunshots, with some noting that the guns used were not ordinary pistols. The mother of two children who were playing outside at the time of the shooting expressed her terror and relief after finding them safe. “These shootings in front of our children are terrifying,” she said, adding that she hoped authorities would take action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Community leaders have condemned the brutal killings and called for increased law enforcement in the area. Dumisani Qwebe from the Nyanga Community Police Forum (CPF) expressed his devastation, urging police to apprehend those responsible. Nhlanhla Kamuteni of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) echoed the sentiment, demanding stronger security measures to combat the escalating crime.
Police are actively investigating the incident, with Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirming that the victims, aged between 20 and 30, were targeted by four armed suspects. The motive for the killings remains unclear, but authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and bring the perpetrators to justice. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
