In a startling act of violence, four individuals were injured following an unprovoked attack by two unidentified gunmen amid a bustling crowd in Wetton. This shocking incident unfolded on a late Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Wetton and Plantation Roads, a normally busy area that became the scene of chaos.
Eyewitness accounts and a circulating video clip provide a harrowing narrative. Three men, initially seated in front of a local scrapyard, were seen suddenly springing to their feet and scrambling for safety. The attackers, with a menacing calmness, advanced with firearms drawn. One, cloaked in a black hoodie, commenced firing at the fleeing individuals, triggering a wave of panic among bystanders. His accomplice, clad in a jacket adorned with red, blue, and white, joined in the assault.
Amidst the terror, a young man, struck multiple times, was observed desperately dragging himself away from the danger zone, a bullet wound evident in his leg. Two individuals, collecting scrap at the time, remained motionless in the bed of a pickup truck as bullets zipped past. Nearby motorists, caught in the unfolding terror, quickly maneuvered their vehicles away from the area.
Following the attack, the perpetrators made their escape on foot, leaving behind a scene of shock and confusion. Emergency responders promptly transported the injured parties to a nearby hospital using a pickup truck, highlighting the community’s immediate response to the crisis.
Rafique Foflonker, chairperson of the Lansdowne Community Policing Forum (CPF), expressed concern over the recent surge in violent incidents in the area.
“I don’t have much details, but I know that four victims were shot and the suspects managed to get away. It is unclear whether there was a vehicle involved or what the motive for the shooting is. It is very alarming that in the space of a week, we had two shootings. There was that shooting of people in a taxi on Turfhall and Belgravia Road and now we have a shooting on Wetton and Plantation Road. While the two are seemingly not connected, it’s two incidents in the area. We must find a way to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.”
Sergeant Wesley Twigg, a police spokesperson, confirmed the occurrence and disclosed that an investigation into four counts of attempted murder has been initiated.
“According to reports, unknown suspects opened fire on the victims. Four adult males were taken to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack is yet to be established. The suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested. Lansdowne police are investigating four counts of attempted murder.”
The authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward and contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111, in an effort to apprehend those responsible.
Shooting in Wetton, Cape Town earlier. Don’t forget your bullet proof vests when you visit SA! pic.twitter.com/CVYzSQyebX
— k9_reaper | T.I.A (@k9_reaper) April 3, 2024
