Chilling crime wave: Five women murdered in Cape Town in less than a week

The body of a woman lays on the pavement in Kraaifontein.

Five women have been murdered in Cape Town in less than a week in four separate incidents.

In the latest incident, police were called to the scene in Aberdeen Street in Woodstock on Saturday, after a 31-year-old woman was shot in the face by her attacker who had shared a few words with her.

Police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala explained: “Woodstock police registered a case of murder following a shooting incident at Aberdeen Street on Saturday, June 27 at 7.03am. 

“According to reports, the deceased was standing in front of a public toilet when an unknown male suspect walked up to her and conversed for a few minutes before drawing a firearm and firing one shot at her face. 

“He then ran towards Victoria Road and got into a mini bus. The 31-year-old female was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. 

“The motive for the attack is a subject of police investigation and no arrest has been made at this stage .”

In a second incident on the same day, the police’s detectives attached to the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit, visited a horrific scene in Kanana Informal settlement in Gugulethu where the bodies of three individuals were found following a shooting.

Police believe the shooting was a targeted attack, in which one of the victims was the owner of the residence.

Two women were shot at the residence by gunmen who had stormed inside.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut explained: “According to reports, at approximately 19:00, three armed suspects arrived at a shack in NY111, Kanana, allegedly looking for the owner of the dwelling who was not at home at the time. The suspects reportedly waited for her return and, upon her arrival, opened fire on her and other occupants.

“A 41-year-old woman, a 46-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared deceased on the scene. Several other occupants managed to flee during the attack and escaped unharmed.

 “The motive for the murders is yet to be determined, although preliminary information suggests that the incident may have been a targeted attack.

 “No arrests have been made as yet and the investigation remains ongoing.”

In a third incident on Thursday, June 25, Scottsdene residents woke to a chilling and sad scene after the body of a 35-year-old woman was found lying on the pavement following a shooting.

Police have yet to confirm the motive behind the attack.

Police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala explained: “Kraaifontein police opened a case of murder following a shooting that claimed the life of a 35-year-old female at the corner of Boesak and Botfontein Road, Kraaifontein this morning, June 25.

The body of Suraan Windvogel found in Kewtown, Athlone.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and the motive is yet to be determined. Anyone with information about the incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.”

In a fourth incident, police discovered the body of Suraan Windvogel hidden inside a black refuse bag in Kewtown, Athlone on Monday, June 22.