Cape Town - A 48-year-old woman became the latest victim in the ongoing gang warfare on the Cape Flats after she was killed by a stray bullet.
The woman was gunned down on Monday afternoon in Seawinds near Lavender Hill while loading furniture when warring gangsters opened fire on one another.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Muizenberg SAPS officers were called to the scene shortly after 4pm.
“The circumstances surrounding a shooting incident (on) Monday afternoon at about 1.15pm in Military Road, Seawinds, where a 48-year-old female was shot and fatally wounded are under investigation.
“According to reports, the victim and her husband were busy loading furniture into their vehicle when she was caught in the crossfire when rival gang members were shooting at each other,” he said.
The victim was declared dead on the scene by medical personnel, and police are yet to make arrests.
Ward 45 councillor, Mandy Marr, said the couple was in the area to collect furniture when gunshots rang out.
“There was gang activity and people ran into the house. They were aiming for someone else and shot the lady. She passed away on the scene,” she said.
Marr said the recent uptick in shootings took place in Hillview and Lavender Hill, but a rise in gang activity had also been noted in neighbouring Seawinds.
On Tuesday morning police announced the arrest of a 22-year-old in connection with the murders of a 42-year-old suspected gang leader, and his 11-year-old son at their Shepherd Way Home in Lavender Hill last Friday.
“On Monday, (Anti-Gang Unit) detectives made a breakthrough in the case when they conducted a tracing operation which led them to an address in Cradock Road, Steenberg where a 22-year-old male was arrested in connection with the murder,” said Twigg.
“Once charged, the suspect will appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s court on murder charges,” he said.
Anyone with any information on the latest shooting incident is requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.