Shooting prompts call for SANDF deployment

TRIPLE MURDER

- MURRAY SWART [e-mail]

NINE-MONTH-OLD Amra Lifa was one of three people killed in a shooting in Sunbird Court, Bridgetown, Athlone.

(Supplied)

A POWERFUL plea to “silence the guns” has sharpened the debate over the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the Cape Flats, as Athlone residents mourn the killing of nine-month-old Amra Lifia and two women.

Police confirmed that the mass shooting unfolded on Tuesday at about 10pm in Sunbird Court, Bridgetown, Athlone.

The deceased women were aged 25 and 36, and one of them was Amra’s mother. Two adult men were also injured.

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

Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said detectives were working around the clock to trace those responsible.

“The South African Police Service strongly condemns the senseless and brutal attack in Sunbird Court. Detectives attached to the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are working around the clock to identify and arrest the three suspects who fled the scene,” Traut said.