CAPE TOWN - Cape Town has been experiencing shootings every single day since the start of 2026.
The gun violence hasn't stopped despite several interventions from SAPS management at both national and provincial levels.
The influx of illegal guns landing up in the wrong hands is a major problem.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde will be discussing the ongoing violent crime with his cabinet on Thursday.
On the weekend, the worst of several shootings saw eight people killed in an incident at a tavern in Philippi East.
Police are clear that the motive is extortion-related and swiftly identified the suspects.
"We have managed to arrest two people with regard to the eight murders in Phillipi East through intelligence-driven operations," said Luyanda Damoyi, deputy Western Cape police commissioner.
He says more suspects in an extortion ring are on their radar, and he appealed to local residents not to work with criminals. V
The Western Cape government is looking at how they can assist SAPS, and Winde says he will be meeting with the Minister of Police in the first week of February to discuss the way forward.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.