Seven people were killed and five others injured in two separate mass shootings on the Cape Flats on Wednesday night, with Western Cape police launching investigations into both attacks.

The first shooting happened at about 8.10 pm at the corner of Laura Street and 8th Avenue in Lost City, Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.

According to Western Cape police, five men were standing outside a local tuck shop when they were approached by armed suspects who opened fire.

Three victims, aged 18, 19 and 51, died at the scene after sustaining gunshot wounds.

Two other victims, aged 17 and 22, were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

A short while later, at approximately 8.30 pm, police responded to another shooting at a residence in Marcus Garvey, Philippi East.

Police said seven people were shot during the incident.

Four victims, aged between 17 and 20 years, died from their injuries, while three others were admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Western Cape police said detectives were investigating the circumstances surrounding both shootings and were following up on all available leads to identify and arrest those responsible.

The motive for both attacks has not yet been established and forms part of the ongoing investigations.

Police have not indicated whether the two shootings are linked.

The latest attacks add to concerns over recurring incidents of gun violence on the Cape Flats, where several communities have experienced repeated shootings linked to organised crime and gang activity in recent years. However, police have not confirmed any motive or possible gang involvement in Wednesday night’s attacks.

The GOOD Party extended its condolences to the families of the victims and called for broader interventions to address violence in affected communities.

GOOD Secretary General and Cape Town mayoral candidate Brett Herron said the shootings highlighted deep social and spatial inequalities that continue to affect many communities on the Cape Flats.

Herron said the government needed to focus on long-term measures to improve living conditions and public safety in affected areas.

He also called on the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government to prioritise the transformation of communities that continue to experience high levels of violent crime.

The shootings also sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users expressing concern over the frequency of mass shootings reported in Cape Town.

Some questioned the circumstances surrounding the victims and called for more information about the causes of the violence, while others called for tougher action against organised crime and gangs.

Police have not released further details on the suspects involved in either shooting.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators has been urged to contact the South African Police Service through the Crime Stop number or provide information anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.

Investigations into both cases are continuing.