YOUTH DAY MARRED BY BLOODSHED

'We are tired of burying our children'

- MARSHA DEAN and SIFISO MAHLANGU

ON A DAY meant to honour the courage and sacrifice of South Africa’s youth, communities are instead mourning the young lives lost to violence and gangsterism.

Police are investigating a mass shooting in Philippi East where four men were shot in Better Life informal settlement on Sunday night.

Crime groups were alerted to the shooting when unknown gunmen entered a premises and opened fire on the victims who were ringing in yesterday’s public holiday.

Three men between the ages of 28 and 39 were killed; the fourth victim survived.

Police spokesperson, Andrè Traut, said: “Provincial Serious Violent Crime detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident that occurred on Sunday at approximately 11.15pm.

“According to reports, the victims were consuming alcohol inside a residence in 18083 Road, Better Life, Philippi East, when unknown assailants entered the premises and opened fire.”

In Manenberg on Saturday, a 32-year-old was gunned down while playing music.