Atlantis has been plagued by gun violence in recent weeks. File Picture
The small town of Atlantis along the West Coast has seemingly become a hub of violence, with the seventh person to die due to gun violence in the area over the last week.
On Tuesday, another young man was gunned down in the area.
The motive is believed to be gang-related.
The Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed the incident.
“Atlantis police are investigating a murder case following a shooting incident on Tuesday, October 29 at 4.15pm in Valleyfield Street, Extension 13 in Saxonsea.
“Members attended to a shooting incident at the mentioned address, and on arrival found the 24-year-old male laying on the pavement with a gunshot wound to the head. Circumstances surrounding this shooting incident are under investigation. The motive for this attack is believed to be gang related,” Van Wyk said.
One suspect was arrested.
"Be advised that a 15-year-old male suspect was arrested today (Wednesday, October 30) for charges of murder. He will appear in the Atlantis Magistrate's Court once charged," van Wyk said.
In a separate incident at the weekend, a man believed to be in his 30s was gunned down by police in what has been reported as a case of mistaken identity.
IOL reached out to police about the death, and police advised reporters to direct all enquiries to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are now the subject of an investigation by the Ipid. Kindly refer your enquiry to the spokesperson of the mentioned department for a response,” police said.
Ipid, known as the police watchdog, is a department of the South African government responsible for investigating complaints against the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The incident was reported to Ipid and a case of culpable homicide is under investigation. No one has been arrested yet,” said Ipid spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping.
Last week, five people were gunned down and five others were injured after a shooting incident along the Old Mamre Road. The victims were headed home to Atlantis from Silverstream Beach and were accosted by shooter/s near Mamre.
Police have yet to make arrests in the mass shooting.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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