Gugulethu shooting: Death toll now rises to eight, police on manhunt

Police have launched a manhunt for gunmen after eight people were killed “execution style” in a horror shooting at a Gugulethu residence in Cape Town on Wednesday afternoon. 

Five people died at the scene of the shooting on Wednesday night and a further three victims later died in hospital SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said on Thursday.

Netcare 911 paramedics spokesperson Shawn Herbst said paramedics had responded to reports of a shooting outside a residence in Guguletu in Cape Town at around 5pm on Wednesday.

“Reports indicate that an unknown number of gunmen opened fire on seven occupants,” Herbst said in a statement.

“Five of the seven occupants, all males had sustained fatal gunshot injuries after being shot in the head what appears to be execution style,” he added.

Herbst said the other victims, who were also men, had sustained serious injuries. Paramedics transported the men to hospital for medical treatment.

Potelwa said organised crime detectives were investigating the shooting.

“Western Cape police have instituted the 72 Activation Plan for the mobilisation of resources in search of gunmen who shot and killed people in Gugulethu on Wednesday afternoon,” Potelwa said.

Potelwa said five died at the scene and three other people were wounded in the shooting incident.

“They were rushed to a medical facility for treatment where they later died,” she said.

“Reports indicate the victims were attending a traditional ceremony,” she said.

 Police crime scene experts scoured the scene in NY 79, Gugulethu on Wednesday night. The unidentified suspects had fled in a getaway vehicle. 

“The identities and ages of the deceased persons will be released once their next of kin are informed. The motive for the shooting incident is yet to be determined,” she said.

Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thembisile Patekile said police teams were already pursuing several leads and had worked through the night conducting tracing operations. 

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the police on 08600 10111.