The police in Orkney are investigating three counts of murder and six of attempted murder following an incident wherein three people were shot and killed and six others sustained serious injuries.
It is alleged that on Monday, 07 June 2021 at about 19:10 whilst on duty at the Community Service Centre (CSC) members heard gun shots not far from the police station and moments thereafter, a man who was profusely bleeding entered the CSC armed with a pistol. The victim told members that he was apparently shot at the Engen garage at the corner of Shakespeare and Flecker Roads in Orkney.
The police immediately proceeded to the scene and upon arrival, they were told that a White Ford Ranger with about three occupants entered the garage and stopped next to the Toyota Fortuner with four occupants that was parked near the exit route. Moreover, the suspects allegedly fired shots towards the Fortuner as well as randomly and that ultimately resulted in fatally wounding three of the occupants while the fourth victim managed to flee.
Furthermore, five bystanders were also injured in the process. All the injured were subsequently transported to a local hospital. The motive for the attack is currently unknown and preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased were members of long distance taxi association operating between North West and Eastern Cape Provinces. No one has been arrested as yet and investigation into the matter continues.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Dintletse Molefe condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms. She instructed the District Commissioner to invoke the 72-hour action plan in order to trace and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
Police urge anyone who may have information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Paul Ompie of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit on 076 529 5025. Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08600 10111 and anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MYSAPS Application. All information received will be treated with confidentiality and informers may opt to remain anonymous.
