Hout Bay shootings spark community outcry for enhanced police visibility

Hout Bay police is investigating multiple shooting incidents in the area yesterday, Sunday February 15. Two separate shootings in Hout Bay within hours of each other have left one man dead and another injured, with a suspect arrested in connection with the first incident. He appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, February 17.

Police said the violence began at about 1am on Sunday, February 15, when a man was shot multiple times while inside his car on Salamander Road. He died while being rushed to the local fire station for help. Provincial police spokesman Captain FC Van Wyk said the first victim was declared dead at the fire station.

“While members were still at the fire station, the alleged suspect arrived at the scene and was pointed out as the shooter,” he said, adding that the man was arrested immediately. Fight Against Crime SA (FACSA) operations manager Hedwick Booysen said that hours later, around 8am, shots were fired again. Captain Van Wyk said in the second incident, the victim was shot at while at Hout Bay Harbour, where he employed people who were guarding a building.

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The suspect reportedly fired approximately 10 shots at him. “The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, and another bullet grazed his head,” he said. He was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Hout Bay police registered an attempted murder case for investigation. Captain Van Wyk said the motive for these attacks was yet to be determined. However, Booysen cautioned the public, saying: “Members of the public are being urged to remain extremely vigilant as the motive for the escalating violence appears to be linked to gang activities.” Community safety groups have called for increased police visibility in the area to curb the ongoing violence.

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