Multiple shootings in Woodstock prompt police investigation

Woodstock police are investigating a murder and two attempted murder cases following multiple shooting incidents in the area over the past few days.

The most recent shooting occurred on Saturday evening, January 31, in Pine Road, Woodstock. According to provincial police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, three men driving a silver Chevrolet Spark allegedly entered a house in Pine Road and opened fire on the occupants.

“One male was declared dead on the scene, while two victims, a male and a female, were taken to a medical facility for treatment,” said Constable Gwala.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF) acting chairperson Gary Adams said the male victim is in critical condition and on life support, while the female victim, who was shot multiple times in the torso, is being treated at the intensive care unit.

Mr Adams alleged that the incident is linked to an ongoing gang war in Manenberg. “Allegedly, the victim who was shot and killed arrived in Woodstock from Manenberg, possibly to hide,” he said. He added that Woodstock police are following all possible leads.

In an unsigned statement, community organisation U-Watch expressed sadness over the incident at the Pine Road informal settlement, which is located on land owned by the City. “We have been raising the plight of the Pine Road community, who are subjected to fires, substance abuse, and now a murder,” the statement read.

The Pine Road incident follows another shooting on Tuesday, January 27Beyers Road, Woodstock, shortly after 8pm.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk said officers were on patrol when they heard gunshots coming from the Beyers Road area and responded immediately.

“On arrival, a group of people pointed out a suspect as the shooter while he was running from the scene. Members chased him down, detained him, and took him back to where the shooting occurred,” he said.

Captain Van Wyk added that a man was found with a gunshot wound and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Woodstock police arrested the suspected shooter in connection with the shooting.

Mr Adams also alleged that this incident was gang-related. “Sadly, it was a basic argument that led to the male suspect shooting an older male victim, and the community is deeply concerned about the number of shootings in the area,” he said.

The Tatler inquired whether the two shooting incidents are connected, but provincial police indicated that investigations are still ongoing.

Anyone with information relating to these incidents is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.

Find Southern Suburbs Tatler on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza