Viral clip of Jakes Gerwell shooting sparks stumps cops
A viral video showing men firing guns across the R300 near Jakes Gerwel Drive has sparked alarm, although police say no criminal case has been registered.
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A video circulating widely on social media shows several men firing guns near the R300 and Jakes Gerwel Drive in Mitchells Plain, triggering alarm among motorists and residents.
The footage, which has garnered hundreds of thousands of views online, appears to have been filmed from a stationary bus. Gunfire can be heard from the start of the clip as cars and buses continue travelling along the busy roadway.
Two men are seen ducking for cover in front of Pacific Fruit & Nuts on Jakes Gerwel Drive before crossing the road and running out of frame. Moments later, further gunfire erupts and three men can be seen opening fire as they run in the same direction as the first two individuals.
The date and full circumstances of the incident have not been independently verified.
Fight Against Crime South Africa (FACSA) said it received reports on Saturday, 14 February of an alleged active shooting in the area and claimed law enforcement responded, with two male suspects arrested.
However, Western Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said the South African Police Service (SAPS) was aware of the video circulating on social media, but that no criminal cases had been registered for investigation.
Twigg said: “SAPS is aware of the video that is circulating on social media, however no criminal cases were registered for investigation."
Police did not clarify whether any arrests were made in connection with the incident or whether further enquiries were under way.
The video surfaced less than 48 hours after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address in Cape Town that the South African National Defence Force would be deployed to support policing efforts in the Western Cape and Gauteng amid ongoing concerns over gang violence and organised crime.
The Cape Argus attempted to contact Pacific Fruit & Nuts for comment but was unable to reach the business at the time of publication.
While authorities have not confirmed details surrounding the incident depicted in the footage, its rapid spread online has intensified debate about safety along major arterial routes in gang-affected areas. It remains unclear whether any formal investigation will follow.