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- Three people were killed in suspected gang-related incidents in Hanover Park over the weekend.
- Police and law enforcement officials have stepped up patrolling in the area this week.
- Police are investigating three murders.
Western Cape police and City of Cape Town law enforcement officials have stepped up patrolling in Hanover Park, Cape Town after three people were murdered there over the weekend.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg, in the one incident, a 22-year-old man was stabbed in Athry Walk in the early hours of Sunday.
"Philippi police attended to a complaint at a hospital where the deceased was pointed out by medical staff. The motive for the attack is yet to be determined. The suspect/s are yet to be arrested, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation," Twigg said.
On the same day, a 30-year-old man was found in Ash Close. He had stab wounds on his face and in his right shoulder.
He was taken to a medical facility in a private vehicle.
Police said:
Meanwhile, on Friday, a man was approached by three suspects who stabbed him to death in Howick Court.
"The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested," Twigg added.
The possibility that the murders could be gang-related form part of the investigation, according to the police.
Community policing forum (CPF) spokesperson Kashiefa Mohammed condemned the recent spate of killings in the area.
Mohammed said:
The CPF pointed out that school children were specifically at the mercy of gangsters while on their way to school.
"We need to look out for our children more now, whose lives are constantly at risk when walking to school because of the gangsters. For the past three months, this community is walking towards the graveyard because of the many bodies we need to bury. It's time we take back our community and let these gangsters know that enough is enough. We cannot keep losing innocent people like this," she said.
According to Twigg, police and law enforcement agencies have been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm.
"We will not tolerate lawlessness. Police can confirm our forces will remain on the ground until we are satisfied that law and order has been restored in Hanover Park," Twigg said.
Metro police spokesperson Ruth Solomons said the Special Operations Unit had increased deployments to gang-infested areas, especially Hanover Park, Manenberg and Heideveld.
"Special Operations [Unit officials] have already increased their visible policing patrols from this week," Solomons added.
Police are urging people who have information on the recent murders to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
