A suspected Hard Livings gang leader, known as “Chucky,” was shot and killed inside his black Volkswagen Polo while waiting in a parking lot across from the Mitchells Plain police station on Monday.
Gang war expected to escalate in Mitchells Plain after latest brazen shooting
The incident took place around midday, with reports indicating that the gunman disguised himself as a car guard before opening fire.
According to reports, Chucky had been waiting for a fellow gang member who was due to be released on bail from the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court.
The attacker, described as a young male wearing a red and black wig, fired multiple shots at the vehicle before fleeing the scene.
A witness, who asked to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, described the shooter as a teenager who appeared unfamiliar with handling a firearm.
“He was walking around, pretending to be a car guard. Then, out of nowhere, he pulled out a gun and started shooting,” the witness told Daily Voice.
Police have confirmed the killing and opened a murder investigation. Captain FC van Wyk, a spokesperson for SAPS, stated:
“Mitchells Plain police are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident on 3 March at about 12:30 at the Town Centre parking area in Mitchells Plain, where a 31-year-old man was shot and fatally wounded. The unknown suspect or suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested.”
The killing is expected to escalate ongoing gang tensions in Mitchells Plain, a community plagued by violent turf wars.
Ian Cameron, a member of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Policing, has criticised the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) efforts in addressing gang violence.
“This past weekend alone, at least 21 people were murdered on the Cape Flats. The SAPS leadership claims to be dismantling gangs, but the reality on the ground tells a different story,” Cameron said.
He pointed to a lack of resources and intelligence in the Anti-Gang Unit, arguing that the police response remains inadequate.
Locals in the area were reluctant to speak out about the incident, fearing retaliation from gangs.
A resident told reporters, “We know what happened, but we can’t say anything. It’s too dangerous.”
With no arrests made, police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.