Dark Times Ahead
Manenberg crimefighters are calling on Eskom to suspend nighttime load shedding after a violent Sunday night left one person dead and two others wounded in gang-related shootings.
As darkness fell over the Cape Flats community, gunshots rang out, turning another night of load shedding into a scene of bloodshed.
Manenberg station commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, confirmed that three separate shooting incidents occurred during a four-hour blackout.
Targeted Attacks Under Cover of Darkness
Naidoo told the Daily Voice:
“As load shedding began on Sunday, gunfire erupted in residential areas. A 47-year-old man was killed, while a 33-year-old woman suffered a gunshot wound to her leg. A 41-year-old man was shot multiple times in the stomach. These incidents took place in different locations across Manenberg.”
The first shooting took place in Don Road shortly after 8 p.m., where the woman was struck in the leg. Less than an hour later, a 41-year-old man—believed to be a gangster—was gunned down at a house in Hurricane Street. He sustained two gunshot wounds to the stomach and was rushed to emergency care.
At 9:10 p.m., the most fatal shooting occurred. Residents of Erica Court emerged from their homes after hearing gunshots and discovered a 47-year-old man lying dead in a parking area, a bullet wound to his head.
Naidoo added:
“The suspects fled the scene on foot. No arrests have been made. Two cases of attempted murder and one case of murder have been opened for investigation.”
Community Fears More Bloodshed
Community Police Forum chairperson, Pastor Vernon Visagie, said residents had feared an escalation in violence after Eskom announced the return of load shedding.
“The moment we heard load shedding was back, we knew this would happen. Within hours, we saw the results. There’s already a gang war underway, and Eskom is adding fuel to the fire.”
Visagie stressed that nighttime power cuts put innocent lives at risk, giving criminals an advantage.
“The skollies are using the darkness to their advantage. With a predictable load shedding schedule, they know exactly when to strike. The streets are pitch black, and visibility is reduced, making it easier for them to move undetected. We fear more innocent people will be caught in the crossfire.”
A Call for Eskom to Rethink Load Shedding
Visagie urged Eskom to reconsider its approach and find alternatives that won’t put vulnerable communities in danger.
“We understand Eskom has a crisis, but they need a different strategy. If load shedding must happen, they must find a way to avoid cutting power at night in high-crime areas.”
With gang violence already gripping Manenberg, residents fear that each blackout is an opportunity for more blood to be spilled.
