Tragedy in Mitchells Plain: Three Teens Killed in Second Mass Shooting Within a Week

The Mitchells Plain community is grappling with the heartbreak and confusion in the wake of a deadly mass shooting that left three teenage boys dead last Friday night. Among the victims was 15-year-old Diego Cupido, a budding soccer talent with dreams of turning professional, a dream cruelly cut short when violence erupted at a local park on Bosduif Road.

Around 7 pm, Diego, Luke Middleway, and Clayton Sterris, were enjoying time together when the peace was shattered by gunfire. A witness described hearing around 16 shots, initially mistaking them for fireworks, only to realize the grim reality as screams filled the air.

As the community continues to mourn, the stories of the young men have touched many. Diego, raised by his loving grandmother Sarah Klaase, was remembered for his passion for soccer and his bright future. His grandmother, reeling from the shock, recalled the harrowing moment she learned of the tragedy and the heart-wrenching scene she encountered upon reaching her grandson.

This harrowing episode marks the second mass shooting in Mitchells Plain within the same week, raising grave concerns about public safety and the rise in gun violence. Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie, police spokesperson, announced that the Mitchells Plain SAPS has commenced with murder and attempted murder investigations, but no arrests have been reported thus far.

In the face of this violence, community members like Valerie Moses of the Rocklands Neighbourhood Watch have taken action, suggesting early closure of shops as a measure of prevention. The aim is to mitigate the chance of such tragedies recurring, particularly in areas surrounding local businesses which have become scenes of repeated crimes.

The double tragedy in such a short span has cast a shadow over Mitchells Plain, as residents and authorities alike search for solutions to stem the tide of senseless violence claiming the lives of their young people.