Residents live in fear as Flats gang war continues

MANENBERG residents were again fraught with fear this week after yet another flareup of gang violence left one man dead and two injured.

The police have taken in a suspect for questioning in connection with the murder.

Reliable sources say the shootings were hits related to an ongoing gang war between the notorious Hard Livings (HL) and Americans gangs.

Two alleged HL hitmen allegedly forced their way into a house in Humber Street on Wednesday night.

Alleged Americans and Dixie Boys memberswere wounded after being targeted in the shooting.

The Americans gang then allegedly sent hitmen to kill an HL gang boss’s right-hand man. The 27-year-old was shot dead in Jordan Street at 20.10pm. Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk confirmed the shootings yesterday.

“On Wednesday at about 19.45pm two 22-year-old men were shot and wounded.

“It is reported that an unidentified male walked past the house and fired several shots at them, as they stood in the doorway.

“The male fled the scene on foot. No arrest has been made. A case of attempted murder has been opened,” Van Wyk said.

He said the fatal shooting in Jordan Street was under investigation after a 23-yearold was arrested.

“A case of murder has been opened for investigation,” Van Wyk said.

Manenberg Safety Forum chairperson Roegshanda Pascoe said community organisations were meeting with police and provincial stakeholders to formulate a plan to tackle gang violence.

“We are noticing the patterns; the so-called seasons and when the shootings flareup and die down.

“So this will be raised at the meeting along with a plea for gangsters to lay down their arms if they are serious about ending the gang wars,” Pascoe said.