The Anti-Gang Unit is investigating a fatal mass shooting in Westbury that claimed the lives of two teenagers and left five others hospitalized, in what police have confirmed is a gang-related incident.
The shooting, which took place on the 16th, involved two rival factional gangs in the area. According to Deputy Police Commissioner for the province, Major General Fred Kekana, three gunmen opened fire before fleeing the scene. A manhunt is now underway for four suspects.
Major General Kekana, addressing the media at the scene, revealed that the suspects are known to the police and that arrests are expected soon.
“We know the suspects and we are expecting to make arrests soon,” Kekana said. “The suspects were caught on a video and they know their whereabouts. They know where they stay and they will have to visit their families later today so that they can be able to possibly make arrests.”
The police response was swift, with the Anti-Gang Unit arriving within minutes of the incident. Despite their rapid deployment, the suspects managed to escape. Kekana acknowledged the challenge, stating it was “unfortunate,” but reiterated that police know the suspects’ locations.
The incident is believed to have originated from a commotion at a house identified by police as the home of a local gang leader. The altercation, the cause of which is still unknown, escalated into the deadly shooting.
Community members at the scene expressed fear, with many unwilling to speak to the media due to concerns over victimization. One witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the victims were young boys.
“I wasn’t here when things happened… but seven of our boys were shot,” the witness said. “Two died and five is fighting for their lives in the hospital.” She added that the victims ranged in age from 15 to 19, with the 17- and 19-year-olds having succumbed to their injuries.
The witness also shed light on the gang dynamics in the area, alleging that older men recruit vulnerable youth. “They target young boys that have poverty, don’t have money, doesn’t go to school… they promise the boys maybe 10,000 or 5,000 then they give the children 250 to go and shoot somebody.”
Major General Kekana also addressed the persistent issue of illegal firearms in Westbury, noting the difficulty in tracing weapons. He stated that some guns are licensed, while others are stolen from police officers, complicating recovery efforts.
This latest shooting has reignited concerns over gang violence in the community, with the reporter on scene noting that similar tragic incidents have occurred in the area before, including a previous shooting in June.