Cape Town On Fire Following Attack at the Hazeldene taxi rank leaves scores dead

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Anti-Gang Unit detectives are probing a deadly afternoon of gun violence in Mitchells Plain.On Tuesday, two men, aged 20 and 22, were shot and killed when gunmen opened fire at the Hazeldene taxi rank.

Police said the attackers sprayed bullets at a group of people before fleeing the scene.

They have raised questions about the effectiveness of “Operation Prosper” – just seven days after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to gang-ravaged areas in Cape Town.

Five other people were wounded in the shooting, including three children, a six-year-old girl and two boys aged 12 and 13, who were all rushed to hospital for treatment.

In a separate shooting in Portlands, a 26-year-old man was gunned down in Merrydale Street.

Police spokesperson André Traut said the shooting is believed to be gang-related.

“The suspects in both cases fled the scenes and are yet to be arrested. Our Anti-Gang Unit detectives are following up on all leads…”

Police have condemned the shootings, saying every resource is being deployed to track down those responsible.Western Cape Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said “Operation Prosper” is intelligence-driven and will intensify as integrated forces focus on gang hotspots in the province.

Potelwa has urged residents to come forward to assist police with information about gang-related crime in their communities.

“A review of the crime landscape indicates that much still needs to be done. With continued determination, the forces will persist in targeting identified hotspots in search of firearms, ammunition, and drugs.”

She said the deployment is expected to yield the desired results, but specific operational details are not being disclosed.