Cape Town - A spate of violent crime in Atlantis has left residents feeling like hostages in their own community.
In a space of 48 hours, Atlantis police were called out to two separate murder scenes where eight people were shot. In an incident on Sunday, one person was killed and five others wounded, while on Friday, two people were murdered.
The shootings in Sherwood Park have, according to Atlantis ward councillor, Anastasia Davids, sparked a fear in residents.
“The people feel like they are being held hostage, it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, they are scared to step outside their homes because these shootings happen in broad daylight and innocent people lose their lives.”
Atlantis community activist, Moses Matiso, said an increase in violent crime was observed.
“We are getting reports left and right. Last week we had a woman whose body was found under a bed. We had another incident of a woman who was stabbed multiple times.
“Then we have the shootings, which we believe are linked to extortion.”
Matiso said extortion as a crime, was being carried out on a large scale in the community.
“We often hear of construction or nightclub extortion, overlooking how this crime affects our communities.
“According to the community, they are being stopped by gangs for protection money, especially when they are in a part of Atlantis where they do not live. You basically have to pay to walk freely, that is why they feel like hostages.”
He said residents were scared of speaking out.
Last week, Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile issued an appeal to residents and victims of extortion to come forward with information.
Police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, said an appeal was made to report the crimes to their toll-free number, 0800314444. Information shared will be dealt with confidentiality.
Police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana, confirmed both shootings in Atlantis.
Manyana said the suspects involved on Sunday fled the scene in a red Tazz.
“According to reports, the victims were playing cards in the yard when three unknown shooters approached them and started firing shots in their direction, leaving one of the victims fatally wounded while five others were shot and injured.”
Manyana said police registered a double murder case following the shooting on Friday.
“The bodies of two males aged 16 and 39 were found lying in the road with gunshot wounds to their bodies.
“The motive behind the incident is subject to police investigation. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
Anyone with information pertaining to these incidents to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Cape Argus