The Tafelsig community is reeling from the tragic deaths of two teenagers following a senseless shooting at a tuck shop, where a 23-year-old man was also wounded in the arm.
A week ago, three people were shot at a tuck shop in Hanover Park, resulting in one death and two injuries. The next day, a similar incident occurred on Laura Street in Tafelsig, where two 18-year-olds, a girl and a boy, were shot dead.
The girl, Keisha Samuels, died after she was shot in the back, while the boy was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital.
The 23-year-old was shot in the right arm by stray bullets.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the motive for the shooting is believed to be gang-related.
“On Friday, July 24, at 9.15pm, SAPS members received a complaint of a shooting incident in front of a tuckshop at Laura Street, Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
“On the scene members found the body of a 18-year-old female with one gunshot wound to the back. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
“According to reports a second victim 18-year-old male was transported to hospital with a private vehicle, he was declared deceased on arrival.
“Another victim, a 23-year-old male, was hit by a stray bullets. He sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm.
“Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation. The motive is believed to be gang-related.
“Mitchells Plain police registered two counts of murder and an attempted murder case for investigation. No arrest has been made yet and investigation continues,” Van Wyk said.
Tributes for Samuels have been flooding in on social media, with one mourner saying: “Keisha was a soft person and very humble girl and she always had a smile on her face.”
Samuels apparently played for the Blackferns Netball Club at one stage of her netball career, with the club posting: “With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our ex player, Keisha Samuels.
“Keisha was part of our family and her light will be remembered by all who knew her on and off the pitch.
“We send our deepest condolences to her mother and family, to her sisters.
“You are in our thoughts and prayers.
“Rest in Peace, Keisha.”
Keisha’s mother, she declined to comment.
Anyone with information that might help the police with the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySAPS App to report anonymously.
