A MOTHER from Uitsig has been left shattered after two of her sons died in a mass shooting in Uitsig Avenue at the weekend.
Brothers Luchen Samuels, 19, and Angelo Hufke, 32, lost their lives after unknown gunmen opened fire on a group of people on Saturday night.
Samuels and Hufke were coming from family when they were shot, both were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
Three others aged 16, 19, and 29 were wounded and transported to a medical facility for treatment.
A resident said: “Those brothers were not involved in any wrongdoing; they are usually a large group who gamble or stand by the gambling table. When those shots went off, it was continuous, non-stop.”
At the family home yesterday, the victims’ mother and other family members were overwhelmed with emotion.
Community leader and anti-crime activist Bishop Adam Alexander spoke on behalf of the family and said: “It is with deep sorrow and outrage that we confirm the tragic and brutal killing of two young men, Luchen Samuels and Angelo Hufke who lost their lives in a senseless act of violence.
“The victims had just visited family and were passing the Gamble Pool area when unknown assailants opened fire. Both men were struck by bullets and tragically succumbed to their injuries.
“Three other individuals were also injured during the shooting and are currently receiving medical attention. This devastating incident has left a mother shattered beyond words.
“She has now lost two sons in one night, an unimaginable pain. Years ago, she also lost her eldest son to gang violence. No mother should ever have to endure such repeated loss. This is not normal. This is not acceptable.
Alexander said Luchen and Angelo were known to him as young men trying to make an honest living.
“They were inseparable in life, and now they are united in death through violence that continues to plague our communities."
“Since Thursday alone, three young men have lost their lives in the same flats. Families are broken. Mothers are grieving. Communities are living in fear like prisoners in their own homes while promises of safety and intervention remain empty.
Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident.
“Police members were patrolling in the area when they saw people running. They were informed by the public that several people were shot by unknown suspects who fled the scene.
“The 19 and 32-year-old victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel, while the other victims were transported to a medical facility for treatment. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation.”
Anyone with any information on the incident is urged to contact Crime Stopon 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.
Cape Times