Tragic mass shooting in Athlone claims three lives, including a baby

A nine-month-old baby was among three people shot dead in a late-night mass shooting at Sunbird Court in Bridgetown, Athlone, on Tuesday night.

Police confirmed that two women, aged 25 and 36, and the infant sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the attack. Two adult men were also shot and wounded and were transported to a medical facility for treatment.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), officers responded to reports of a shooting at about 10pm. On arrival, officers found the two women and the baby with fatal gunshot wounds.

Preliminary information indicates that three unknown suspects fled the scene and have not yet been arrested. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.

Detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are leading the probe, with all available resources mobilised to trace and apprehend those responsible.

SAPS strongly condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and brutal, and said every effort would be made to bring the perpetrators to book and restore safety and stability in the area.

Fight Against Crime South Africa (FACSA) also condemned the attack.

“There is no justification for such cowardly violence, especially when innocent lives are taken in their own community. This attack is a brutal reminder of how brazen and heartless those behind gang violence have become,” the organisation said.

FACSA called for the perpetrators to be “hunted down and brought to justice without delay” and extended its condolences to the affected families.

Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or to submit information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

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Cape Argus